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Rethinking the Relationship between God, Humanity, and the Earth

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 22 as “International Mother Earth Day” through Resolution A/RES/63/278. This designation was not merely symbolic; it was a response to a growing global concern that environmental degradation had become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. In its official framing, the United Nations emphasizes that the Earth and its ecosystems constitute our “common home,” and that their protection is essential not only for human survival but also for intergenerational justice (see the official UN page on this observance).

Reports from UN-affiliated bodies illustrate the scale of the crisis. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 10 million hectares of forest are lost each year, undermining biodiversity and disrupting vital ecological cycles. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that more than 11 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, a figure projected to increase dramatically if current trends continue. Meanwhile, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warns that around one million species are at risk of extinction. These are not merely scientific data points; they are indicators of a profound disruption in the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

When was the first Earth Day? Holiday origins, 2026 date, activities

Earth is humanity's home for at least 300,000 years and has given us so much — green grass, sunny skies, breathtaking sunsets, beautiful snow and so much more — so why not celebrate it by taking one day to make it a better, healthier place?

When you were younger, you may have learned that April 22 is Earth Day. For more than 50 years, Earth Day has been about celebrating our planet and its glory, promoting environmental protection, and demonstrating the importance of planetary health. 

Here's what to know about Earth's special day and what it means to be environmentally active.

Earth Day occurs on the same day every year on April 22. This year, April 22 is a Wednesday.

The History of Earth Day—and Why It Still Matters

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Our nonprofit newsroom investigates the biggest threats to our planet, holds decision-makers accountable, and pushes back on climate disinformation so facts stay front and center.

We need your support to keep this work going. Please donate right now in honor of Earth Day and your gift will be doubled.

From our collaborating partner Living on Earth, public radio’s environmental news magazine, an interview by host Steve Curwood with environmental historian Adam Rome. 

Earth Day was born in 1970 during a moment of human solidarity in troubled times. Violent Vietnam war protests, burning Black communities and girdles and bras publicly trashed by feminists spoke of great social divides. 

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