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EcoWatch provides a comprehensive guide to Earth Day 2024, featuring a range of events from cleanups to concerts. The theme for the 54th annual Earth Day is "Planet vs. Plastics." EcoWatch was established in 2005 as a digital platform to share informative and science-based content on environmental topics, initiatives, and remedies, originating as an environmental newspaper in Ohio.
Written by Cristen Hemingway Jaynes and Olivia Rosane
This year is the 54th anniversary of Earth Day! It's a great time to look for ways to work together with others to address the climate crisis and improve the health and sustainability of our planet. Here are some ideas to help you begin.
The future of Earth is in danger due to plastic pollution. Plastics are causing harm to both land and water, affecting every part of our planet. We are constantly exposed to plastic, consuming and inhaling it without even realizing it. Join us in the fight against plastic pollution with "Planet vs. Plastics" and advocate for a 60% reduction in plastic usage by 2040 to protect human and planetary health. Visit the link provided to learn more.
EARTHDAY.ORG, an environmental organization founded after the inaugural Earth Day in 1970, has revealed that the theme for Earth Day 2024 will be centered around addressing the issue of plastics on our planet. They aim to rally their global community to push for a significant reduction in plastic production by 2040, ultimately aiming to completely eradicate harmful petroleum-based products.
According to EARTHDAY.ORG President Kathleen Rogers, the term "environment" refers to the surroundings we are in. Plastics are no longer just surrounding us, they are now a part of us – circulating in our blood, sticking to our organs, and carrying harmful heavy metals that can lead to cancer and other illnesses. What was once seen as a useful product has now become a threat to our health and the health of all living beings. The Planet vs. Plastics campaign is a call to action to stop the harmful impact of plastics and protect the well-being of all living creatures on Earth.
In order to encourage participation in the campaign, EARTHDAY.ORG has released an Earth Day 2024 Action Toolkit. This toolkit includes a petition for a comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty, educational resources on the connection between plastic pollution and fast fashion, and ways to support a sustainable clothing industry. Additionally, individuals are invited to take part in the #PlasticDetox Challenge on social media to decrease their use of single-use plastics.
You have the option to look for or plan your own Earth Day activity, or address plastic pollution by participating in a Great Global Cleanup in your area. For a more involved approach, you can register to Dive for Earth Day and help clean up trash from at-risk ocean environments such as coral reefs and marine protected areas.
2. Raise the Alert
Check out this post on Instagram from the Sunrise Movement.
Earth Day 2024 is happening after a year where global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This increase in temperature is likely due to a combination of factors, including an El Niño event and the continued burning of fossil fuels. Youth climate groups like Sunrise Movement, Fridays For Future US, and the Campus Climate Network are using Earth Day as an opportunity to urge President Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency.
The groups are stating in a petition that Congress has given the president certain powers related to national defense that can be used in real emergencies. Since 1976, every president has declared a national emergency at least once during their time in office. By declaring a national climate emergency, Biden could use these emergency powers to take strong actions against the crisis.
If Biden declares a climate emergency, he could implement measures such as stopping the export of oil, pausing oil and gas drilling, utilizing the Defense Production Act to support the development of renewable energy projects and jobs, and offering free healthcare and housing to those affected by severe weather events.
You can support their campaign by signing the petition to President Biden, participating in the Global Climate Strike on April 19th, or attending a Sunrise Movement Earth Day event from April 19th to 23rd. University students can also join a protest on Earth Day urging schools to stop investing in fossil fuels, cut ties with the fossil fuel industry, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Event to Stop the Use of Fossil Fuels
If you are in Washington, DC during Earth Day weekend, you can attend the Earth Day DC 2024 Concert to End Fossil Fuels from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the National Mall.
On Earth Day weekend, we are uniting to push for the end of reliance on fossil fuels. Communities worldwide are suffering from extreme weather events, while politicians have been disregarding scientific warnings for years. However, we have the answers. We recognize the urgent need for a transition to renewable energy. We are challenging deceptive tactics and ineffective solutions that do not tackle the root of the climate crisis. We are calling for accountability from major fossil fuel companies to compensate for the damage they have done. Our focus is on implementing strong policies and creating systemic change for a sustainable future.
The event will showcase bands, artwork, and speeches from activists in the community and youth.
This Earth Day weekend, we are coming together with music and art to support and advance our cause, to build up our movement, and to listen to the perspectives of young people. We will also be listening to the voices of young people involved in climate change lawsuits across the country, including cases like Juliana vs. Gov and Held vs. Montana as part of Our Children's Trust.
Why not celebrate Earth Day by dancing and getting inspired in Washington D.C. by those leading the way in the fight against climate change?
The Earth Day 2024 Virtual Stage is an event organized by Earth Day Initiative and March for Science New York City, offering a chance for people to come together virtually on Earth Day at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
This digital partnership involves individuals such as activists, filmmakers, artists, authors, actors, and podcasters discussing topics related to climate action, environmental justice, and sustainable living.
A few of the speakers set to appear on the Earth Day 2024 Virtual Stage are:
Previous portions of the online platform are available to watch.
No matter how you decide to honor Earth Day, we hope you spend time outside, feel inspired, and connect with others in your community.
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