Earth Month and the Global Order: Why Climate Action is a World Wide Necessity
Every April, Earth Month reminds us to take care of our planet by learning about environmental issues and making more sustainable choices. It all started with Earth Day on April 22, 1970, a historic moment when millions of people came together to demand action for a cleaner, healthier environment, marking the birth of the modern environmental movement.
The Inception of Earth Day
By the 1960s, people were becoming more aware of the damage being done to the environment. A major turning point came in 1969 when off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, millions of gallons of oil spilled into the ocean, devastating thousands of birds and sea creatures. This disaster, along with other environmental issues, made people realize that action was needed.
In response, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin came up with the idea of a nationwide day of environmental learning and action, and on April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. About 20 million people took part in demonstrations and educational activities, demanding greater environmental protections. Their efforts helped lead to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year.
Evolution into Earth Month
Earth Day’s popularity quickly grew, and soon people realized that a single day wasn’t enough to focus on the planet’s biggest environmental problems. That’s why Earth Month was created—to give more time for education, advocacy, and action throughout April. By 1990, Earth Day had reached 200 million people across 141 countries, further solidifying the need for a month-long focus on environmental issues.
Earth Month and the Global Order: Why Climate Action is a Geopolitical Imperative
Climate change isn’t just about the environment—it affects jobs, economies, global politics, and relationships between countries. Hotter temperatures and extreme weather make it harder to access vital resources like food and water, leading to conflict and migration. World leaders have tried to work together through agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, but disagreements—especially between richer and poorer nations—make it difficult to take unified action.
Think Global, Act Local: How Earth Month Can Inspire Global Environmental Solutions
Even though climate change affects the whole planet, some of the best solutions start in local communities.When communities take action—by creating green spaces, reducing waste, or promoting eco-friendly farming— they not only improve the environment nearby but also inspire larger-scale changes around the world.
What We Can Do:
Choose to patronize businesses that implement eco-friendly practices and products.
Adopt sustainable practices such as using public transportation, conserving energy, minimize waste, and supporting renewable energy sources..
Get involved with local environmental organizations to participate in community events such as Earth Day cleanups, tree-planting initiatives, or carbon offset programs.
Join community clean-up events, tree-planting drives, and conservation projects.
Educate others on how small, collective actions contribute to a larger global impact.
Earth Month reminds us to reflect on how we impact the environment and find ways to make a difference. Whether through small changes in our daily lives or larger efforts in our communities, every action helps build a better, more sustainable future.
For a visual overview of the origins of Earth Day, you might find the following resource informative:
More Resources
Read
The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells, a stark look at the devastating potential effects of climate change.
Braiding Sweetgrass – by Robin Wall Kimmerer by a beautiful blend of Indigenous wisdom, science, and nature storytelling.
All We Can Save – Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson, an inspiring collection of essays by women leading the climate movement.
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate – by Naomi Klein, a deep dive into how economic systems contribute to climate change—and what we can do about it.
The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis – by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac, written by key figures behind the Paris Climate Accord, this book outlines two possible climate futures.
Listen
How to Save a Planet (Gimlet Media), a solutions-focused podcast about the climate crisis, co-hosted by scientist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
Drilled, investigates the history of fossil fuel propaganda and corporate influence on climate policy.
Outrage + Optimism, hosted by former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, this podcast blends urgency with hopeful solutions.
The Climate Question (BBC), explores global climate issues and potential solutions from different perspectives.
Living on Earth (NPR) a long-running environmental news program covering everything from conservation to climate policy.
Watch
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (Netflix), a moving documentary reflecting on the changes Attenborough has witnessed in nature over his lifetime.
Before the Flood (Disney+), Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary exploring climate change and global solutions.
2040 (Hulu, Rentable), a hopeful, solutions-driven documentary imagining a sustainable future.
Chasing Coral (Netflix) a visually stunning documentary revealing the disappearance of coral reefs.
Kiss the Ground (Netflix) explores the power of regenerative agriculture in fighting climate change.
