Earth Day 2025 Our Power, Our Planet
Apr 01, 2025 06:00AM ● By Sandra Yeyati
April 22 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, the worldwide annual event that fosters environmental awareness and champions conservation initiatives designed to curb the ravages of climate change. This year’s theme—Our Power, Our Planet—invites 1 billion supporters in 192 countries to unite behind renewable energy with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
“For years, we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. That is not true,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day and board chair emeritus of EarthDay.org. “By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.”
Our reliance on fossil fuels for energy has had dire consequences, releasing greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals that drive climate change, pollute the environment and threaten human health. According to EarthDay.org, cutting greenhouse gas emissions diminishes the risk of heatwaves, floods and the spread of infectious diseases. A reduction in air pollution is also expected to decrease respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma and strokes.
The technology already exists to meet global energy needs with clean, affordable and renewable power from solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and hydro sources—all of which can be stored in batteries and fuel cells. Wind and solar have become the most cost-effective sources of power, surpassing traditional fossil fuels in affordability. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity estimated to create 14 million new jobs globally, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis and policy recommendations on the global energy sector.
Forty-nine countries currently generate more than half of their electricity from clean sources, including Canada, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while Iceland produces virtually all of its power from renewable sources.
“We need people power to support the big switch to renewable energy,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of EarthDay.org. “We encourage everyone to talk to your local mayor, boss, neighbors, community leaders, and local and national legislators to explore and to champion switching to renewables.”
There are numerous ways to get involved and celebrate Earth Day in our communities:
When: Monday, April 22, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta
Contact: 404-876-5859, [email protected]
When: Saturday, April 19, 7:30 a.m.
Where: South Peachtree Creek Trail, Decatur
Contact: thebestraces.com, [email protected]
When: Saturday, April 19, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Mill Creek Nature Center, 1999 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford
Contact: 770-787-7887, [email protected]
“For years, we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. That is not true,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day and board chair emeritus of EarthDay.org. “By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.”
Our reliance on fossil fuels for energy has had dire consequences, releasing greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals that drive climate change, pollute the environment and threaten human health. According to EarthDay.org, cutting greenhouse gas emissions diminishes the risk of heatwaves, floods and the spread of infectious diseases. A reduction in air pollution is also expected to decrease respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma and strokes.
The technology already exists to meet global energy needs with clean, affordable and renewable power from solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and hydro sources—all of which can be stored in batteries and fuel cells. Wind and solar have become the most cost-effective sources of power, surpassing traditional fossil fuels in affordability. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity estimated to create 14 million new jobs globally, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis and policy recommendations on the global energy sector.
Forty-nine countries currently generate more than half of their electricity from clean sources, including Canada, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while Iceland produces virtually all of its power from renewable sources.
“We need people power to support the big switch to renewable energy,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of EarthDay.org. “We encourage everyone to talk to your local mayor, boss, neighbors, community leaders, and local and national legislators to explore and to champion switching to renewables.”
There are numerous ways to get involved and celebrate Earth Day in our communities:
Earth Day
Celebrate nature with family-friendly activities, including musical performances by Havana Son, seed planting, scavenger hunts and eco-friendly crafts. Free with garden admission.
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta
Contact: 404-876-5859, [email protected]
Earth Day Run
Celebrate Earth Day by running for the planet! Choose from 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or a one-mile Fun Run. Proceeds support local tree-planting efforts. $35-$45.
Where: South Peachtree Creek Trail, Decatur
Contact: thebestraces.com, [email protected]
Earth Day at Mill Creek Nature Center
Help remove invasive Chinese privet to restore native habitat. Bring gloves and tools if available. No restrooms on-site. Free.
Where: Mill Creek Nature Center, 1999 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford
Contact: 770-787-7887, [email protected]
