Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to promote environmental protection and awareness. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.

The idea for Earth Day came from US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was concerned about the environmental degradation caused by pollution and industrial development. He wanted to create a national day to focus on the environment and raise public awareness about the need for conservation.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated in over 190 countries and is one of the largest secular observances in the world. It is typically marked by events such as rallies, tree-planting ceremonies, and clean-up campaigns. Many schools and universities also use the occasion to teach students about environmental issues and sustainability.

Each year, Earth Day has a different theme or focus. In recent years, the focus has been on climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other themes have included protecting endangered species, promoting renewable energy, and reducing plastic pollution.

Overall, Earth Day is an important reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet and preserve its resources for future generations. It is a call to action for individuals, businesses, and governments to take steps to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability.