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April

Earth Month takes place during April every year. It’s a time to raise environmental awareness and create consciousness around the issues that affect mother nature during this time of crisis. Every April, leaders, and environmental activists from all over the world join hands to create sustainable development and offer climate solutions, to minimize our carbon footprint and prevent further harm to our planet’s natural resources. It’s increasingly important to observe this month as Earth starts to unravel the harmful effects of climate change which not only poses a threat to our existence but is irreversibly damaging all forms of life. Learn more about how you can participate this Earth Month.

History of Earth Month

Earth Month started as a movement to resist the abusive and negligent consumption of leaded gas by Americans. This climate crisis started with air pollution brought about by the emissions of massive, inefficient automobiles. In 1962, Rachel Carson published the book “Silent Spring,” which became a “New York Times” bestseller, that raised awareness of the effects of pollution on all living organisms. Besides being a huge commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies in 24 different countries, the book was the turning point in people’s environmental consciousness.

In January 1969, several witnesses saw a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, which caused major destruction to the environment. This captured the attention of senator Gaylord Nelson who wanted to use students’ passion and energy for anti-war protests for ecological activism, particularly regarding air and water pollution. This idea inspired a group of activists to dedicate themselves to encouraging all Americans to be proactive and environmentally conscious. They named their initiative Earth Day, which immediately caught the attention of the media and since a day isn’t enough to achieve the desired results regarding climate solutions, Earth Month was created. This was first celebrated on April 4, 1970.

By 1990, Earth Month became a global event after 200 million participants from 141 countries joined the initiative. By 1992, the United Nations became actively involved too which further enhanced the organization’s visibility. Today, Earth Month is widely recognized as one of the most important month-long observances in the world.

Earth Month timeline

1962
“Silent Spring”

Rachel Carson publishes the book “Silent Spring” to raise awareness about the effects of air pollution on living organisms.

1969
An Oil Spill in California

A massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, causes senator Gaylor Nelson to form an organization that safeguards the environment.

1970
The First Earth Month

The first Earth Month is held on April 4 to discuss climate change and think of ways to protect the environment.

1990
Earth Month Becomes Global

Earth Month hits a global reach of 141 countries and 200 million participants.

Earth Month FAQs

How was Earth named?

The name ‘Earth’ was derived from the German words ‘ertha’ and ‘erde,’ which mean ‘ground.’

What are the main causes of global warming?

Global warming is mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Why is the Earth getting hotter?

The warmer temperature of Earth is caused by the disruption of nature’s balance, which is manifested in changing weather patterns.

How to Observe Earth Month

  1. Plant a tree

    Several organizations driven to reduce the Earth’s carbon footprint aim to plant a tree a day. It’s one of the simplest ways to fight climate change and you can do it too.

  2. Donate to a charity

    Many non-government organizations are dedicated to conducting public research to contribute toward finding climate solutions. You can help them raise funds to give them access to more advanced equipment and have a broader reach. Some of the organizations are the Clean Air Task Force, Carbon180, Evergreen Collaborative, Rainforest Foundation US, and Sunrise Movement Education Fund.

  3. Save household energy for a month

    One of the most efficient ways to collectively help our climate crisis is to save energy at home. Encourage your family to reduce the use of electricity, or lower energy use by using LED light bulbs, for example.

5 Important Facts About The Environment

  1. A drastic rise in the temperature

    Within the next two decades, experts predict a dramatic rise in the global temperature by 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit as a result of excessive carbon emissions.

  2. The hottest years

    On record, the hottest years in history were 2016 and 2020.

  3. Risk of extinction

    More than one million species, including half of most amphibians, are at risk of mass extinction due to climate change.

  4. Nature-based solutions aren’t funded enough

    Despite being an effective way of storing carbon, natural carbon storage only receives 3% of all climate funding.

  5. Carbon emissions are mostly caused by humans

    The main contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions is deforestation, which is a man-made activity.

Why Earth Month is Important

  1. It leads to immediate action

    The fight against climate change is urgent because of the irreversible damage that it causes to the planet. As we’re experiencing the hottest years in recorded history, ecological solutions should become a priority. Earth Month allows these kinds of discussions to reach a wider audience.

  2. Nature needs funding

    By raising awareness about Earth Month, we’re also helping N.G.O.s fight climate change. Observing the day by providing financial support gives them access to the funding they need to implement effective solutions.

  3. We love our planet

    As cliche as it sounds, Earth is our only home. We should protect it not just for ourselves but for the next generation.

Earth Month dates

YearDateDay
2024April 1Monday
2025April 1Tuesday
2026April 1Wednesday
2027April 1Thursday
2028April 1Saturday
Be Kind to Spiders Week
Blue Ribbon Week
Golden Rule Week
International Pooper Scooper Week
Laugh at Work Week
Medication Safety Week
National Bake Week
National Cancer Registrars Week
National Public Health Week
National Window Safety Week
Take Your Poet to School Week
Testicular Cancer Awareness Week
April Fools' Day
Assyrian New Year
Boomer Bonus Days
Community Garden Week
Cyprus National Holiday
Dyngus Day
Easter Monday
Edible Book Day
Fossil Fools Day
International Fun at Work Day
International Tatting Day
Library Snap Shot Day
Lupus Alert Day
Martyrdom of Imam Ali
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
Myles Day
National Connor Day
National Fun Day
National Greeting Card Day
National Loyal Day
National One Cent Day
National Sourdough Bread Day
National Trombone Players Day
Nature Day
Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day
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Reading is Funny Day
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U.S. Air Force Academy Day
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Adopt a Greyhound Month
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Autism Acceptance Month
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Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month
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Canine Fitness Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
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Child Abuse Awareness Month
Children and Nature Awareness Month
Counseling Awareness Month
Couple Appreciation Month
Cranberries and Gooseberries Month
Deaf History Month
Defeat Diabetes Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Dog Appreciation Month
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Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
Fair Housing Month
Filipino Food Month
Financial Capability Month
Financial Literacy Month
Fresh Florida Tomato Month
Genocide Awareness Month
Global Astronomy Month
Global Child Nutrition Month
Grange Month
Heartworm Awareness Month
IBS Month
Informed Women Month
International Amateur Radio Month
International Customer Loyalty Month
International Guitar Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Month of the Military Child
Move More Month
Multicultural Communications Month
Multiple Birth Awareness Month
National African-American Women's Fitness Month
National Alcohol Awareness Month
National BLT Sandwich Month
National Car Care Month
National Card and Letter Writing Month
National Decorating Month
National Donate Life Month
National Facial Protection Month
National Food Month
National Foot Health Awareness Month
National Fresh Celery Month
National Frog Month
National Garlic Month
National Grilled Cheese Month
National Humor Month
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National Kite Month
National Knuckles Down Month
National Literature Month
National Minority Health Month
National Month of Hope
National Pecan Month
National Pest Management Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Poetry Month
National Rebuilding Month
National Safe Digging Month
National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Social Security Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy Foods Month
National Volunteer Month
National Welding Month
National Woodworking Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month
Occupational Therapy Month
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Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parliamentary Law Month
Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month
Physical Wellness Month
Poetic Earth Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Primary Immunodeficiency Month
Records and Information Management Month
Records and Information Management Month
Rosacea Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
School Library Month
Scottish-American Heritage Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
Step up for 30 For Bowel Cancer Month
STI Awareness Month
Straw Hat Month
Stress Awareness Month
Summer Tire Changeover Month
SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Tomatillo and Asian Pear Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
World Autism Month
World Landscape Architecture Month
Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month

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