Though the global pandemic tried to cancel Earth Day 2020, its efforts were unsuccessful. Wednesday, April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual global celebration in support of environmental protection. Despite being quarantined, the world still celebrated Earth Day 2020. Millions decided that being trapped inside, separated from one another and feeling very much detached from Earth would not stop this grand celebration.
Earth Day Network
Though Earth Day events were cancelled, earthday.org took the liberty of taking Earth Day digital. The website hosted an ongoing 3-day live stream event on on April 22, 23 and 24. The event featured messages, performances and calls to action from a group of people some of which included Al Gore, Joaquin Phoenix, Secretary John Kerry and Zac Efron.
NASA
Meanwhile, NASA, who has been celebrating Earth Day all month, featured a special broadcast, “NASA Science Live,” on April 22nd. NASA also celebrated with downloadable art. They additionally posted an awesome video entitled, NASA Looks Back At 50 Years Of Earth Day, as well as a new YouTube playlist featuring a series of short videos from Earth science experts.
National Parks Service
The National Park Service is also celebrating Earth Day for the entire month of April, hosting online park tours via webcams. On the virtual tours you can go on geologic tours where you can explore geologic wonders, landforms, landscapes and tectonic plates. NPS is also hosting a sound gallery where you can virtually experience soundscapes and natural sounds in parks.
World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted Earth Hour 2020. During Earth Hour, millions of people around the world turned off their lights for one hour to show their commitment to protecting nature. Additionally, WWF collaborated with UNICEF to host a virtual concert on Earth Day with over 40 artists from six countries, all participating from home.
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated Earth Day by drawing pictures. The public was invited to draw pictures, make signs, or use recycled materials to decorate windows in honor of Earth Day.
National Geographic
National Geographic hosted neighborhood safaris around the world to help bring people together. Families were invited to let their imagination run wild and create their own safari for Earth Day. They additionally premiered the film, Jane Goodall The Hope, which showed Dr. Goodall’s relentless commitment and determination to spread a message of hope.
Though the global pandemic tried to cancel Earth Day 2020, how did you celebrate?
