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Context: World Earth Day celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental conservation and promoting sustainability efforts.

History and Origin

• The concept of Earth Day originated in the late 1960s in the background of growing concerns over environmental issues.
• The idea of Earth Day was officially proposed by peace activist John McConnell at a 1969 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference, advocating for a day dedicated to honouring the Earth and promoting peace.
• The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970, it gained international recognition when the United Nations officially acknowledged it in 1972.
• Over the years, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, engaging more than 1 billion people in over 193 countries through coordinated events organised by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network).

Significance

• World Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the health of the planet.
• It highlights the need for collaboration among corporations, governments, communities, and individuals to address environmental challenges.
• The day engages people globally in activities aimed at addressing the climate crisis and fostering behavioural change to protect the environment.

Theme for Earth Day 2024

• The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is 'Planet v/s Plastics'. This theme highlights the urgent need to address the global plastic pollution crisis, aiming to build a plastic-free future for generations to come.
• Goals associated with this theme include promoting public awareness about the harmful impact of plastics on human health and biodiversity, phasing out single-use plastics by 2030, advocating for policies to reduce plastic waste, and investing in innovative technologies for a plastic-free world.

Conclusion

• World Earth Day 2024 provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to engage in environmental activism, promote sustainable practices, and advocate for meaningful change to protect our planet for future generations. It emphasises the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being, encouraging collective action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

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