focus on climate change

Earth Day 2007

Earthrise, as captured by "Apollo 8" astronauts on Christmas Eve 1968

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day, April 22, is the annual celebration of the environment and a time to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day has no central organizing force behind it though several nongovernmental organizations work to keep track of the thousands of local events in schools and parks that mark the day. Earth Day is observed around the world, although nowhere is it a national holiday. In the United States, it affirms that environmental awareness is part of the country's consciousness and that the idea of protecting the environment - once the province of a few conservationists - has moved from the extreme to the mainstream of American thought.

Article by USINFO on the origins and evolution of Earth Day

 

Earth Day feature on USINFO

The Department of State public internet portal has prepared a special feature page dedicated to Earth Day.