22nd April, World Earth Day 2024, Planet vs. Plastics

World Earth Day 2024: Earth Day is observed all across the globe on the 22nd of April every year to support the cause of protecting the Earth from rising man-made threats and striving towards a sustainable approach. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. 22nd April 2024 marks 54th World Earth Day celebration. This day is celebrated by students, activists, governments, organizations, and the common masses by organizing various activities like planting trees, raising awareness through slogans and campaigns, etc.

Earth Day is further extended unofficially to Earth Week which focuses on gathering more attention to the campaign. Earth Week is being celebrated from 22 to 27 April. This week is dedicated to educating people about Earth Day, climate change, pollution, steps to be taken for sustainable development, etc. by organizing large-scale conferences and demonstrations. Earth Week, thus brings a great opportunity to initiate conversations about protecting the planet.

World Earth Day 2024 Theme

The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics“. This is in the purview of the rising menace of plastic and microplastic pollution. Not only the environment like water bodies, soil, etc. but even human blood has been found to have traces of microplastics. Plastics are now being seen as a serious issue impacting human health leading to incurable or serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, fertility issues, blood-related issues, and many more.

For Earth Day 2024 on 22nd April 2024, Earthday.org has demanded a 60X40 target i.e. a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by the year 2040.

Why Planet vs. Plastics

The theme Planet vs. Plastics has been chosen due to several threatening issues. These are:

• Health Risk: Plastics have been proven to be disruptive elements for human beings as well as all living beings. They break the balance of life on Earth.
• Demand Change: The theme is a call to urgently advocate for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution that will push governments to take strong measures to curb plastic pollution.
• Innovative Solutions: This Earth Day, investments and innovations are being called for to build technologies and materials as sustainable alternatives to plastic.
• Babies vs. Plastics: A recent report has brought out a detailed study of the effect of plastics on babies and youngsters. The issues highlighted include miscarriages, problems with teething, plastic toys, bioaccumulation of microplastics, and many more.

Initiatives for Sustainable Earth

Earthday.org has been successfully running several global campaigns to combat pollution, climate change, and popularize sustainable practices. Some of the important initiatives for sustainable Earth are highlighted below:

1. The Great Global Cleanup
2. End Plastics
3. Canopy Project
4. Climate and Environmental Literacy
5. Food and Environment, and the Global Earth Challenge

“We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

History and Significance

The idea of Earth Day was first brought out by peace activist John McConnell at a UNESCO Conference in 1969. The concept of celebrating this day was to honor the Earth and maintain peace. Here is the complete timeline of World Earth Day:

• The first Earth Day was celebrated on 22nd April 1970 in the United States.
• In 1990, the coordinator, Denis Hayes, made an initiative to make this day a global celebration and 141 countries participated in it.
• In 2016, Earth Day was made official by signing the Paris Agreement, an intergovernmental treaty for climate protection.
• In the year 2020, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of World Earth Day.

Call to Action

“Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift…a wonderful gift that God has given us so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude” (Pope Francis).

We can all support these initiatives and contribute our share in supporting policies and initiatives to save our Earth. Let’s fight against plastic pollution on this 54th World Earth Day by making conscious choices and saving the Earth for future generations. You may visit Earthday.org to learn more and get involved!