Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, began as a nationwide initiative to increase public awareness of environmental issues in 1970. The idea for Earth Day originated from peace campaigner John McConnell, who proposed a worldwide day to honour the Earth and advance peace during a 1969 UNESCO convention in San Francisco.
Early Beginnings of Earth Day
- In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson and young activist Denis Hayes organized the first Earth Day, with an estimated 20 million Americans participating in rallies, marches, and teach-ins.
- By 1990, Earth Day had expanded to include a wide range of events, with more than 200 million participants in over 140 countries.
- Today, Earth Day is celebrated with a particular theme, and the theme for Earth Day 2025 is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’.
This subject aims to combat climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal, and, to a lesser extent, hydro power.
Definition of Energy and Power
Energy is a critical commodity that functions as a factor of production, as a process feed and as a consumer good. It determines the shape of the lifestyle of individuals and that of the total economy. Energy can take many forms, including mechanical, chemical, nuclear, electromagnetic, thermal and electrical.
| Forms of Energy | Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Energy | Potential energy is acquired by an object when it is raised, and if it is dropped, that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. |
| Chemical Energy | Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. |
| Nuclear Energy | Nuclear energy is released through nuclear reactions. |
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Nuclear, fossil fuels, and, to a lesser extent, hydropower are non-renewable energy sources. These energy sources are finite and non-renewable.
- Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are the finite resources of non-renewable resources.
- They become increasingly harder to extract and deplete, meaning they are limited.
- Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to global warming and climate change.
- The environmental damage includes air pollution, ocean acidification, and more extreme weather events.
- Fossil fuels are unevenly distributed across the planet, leading to geopolitical tensions and conflicts over their control.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and biomass are abundant and infinite.
- Solar energy generates energy without polluting the air or emitting greenhouse gases.
- Wind power is another form of renewable energy that produces energy without harming the environment.
- Geothermal energy is essentially always available, and biomass energy is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Tidal power is also a renewable energy source that can be harnessed to generate electricity.
Importance of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is necessary to combat climate change and ensure sustainable development on our planet.
“Our Power, Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2025.
