Earth Day: Origins, Impact, and Global Significance

Earth Day, marked annually on April 22nd, traces its roots to growing environmental concerns in the 1960s. Senator Gaylord Nelson played a pivotal role in its inception, inspired by an offshore oil spill and a desire to raise awareness through a national “teach-in” on the environment. The first Earth Day in 1970 garnered immense public support, leading to increased pressure on the U.S. Congress to address pollution and the enactment of significant legislation like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Over the decades, Earth Day has evolved into a global event, mobilizing action in over 192 countries. In 2000, it focused on climate change, and this year’s theme highlights the threat posed by plastics to our environment.

US Domestic News Briefs: Supreme Court, Trump Trial, and Nursing Home Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the legality of local laws against camping on public property in the case of a southwest Oregon city’s vagrancy policy. The court will hear arguments on whether enforcing these ordinances against homeless people violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments. In New York, the trial of Donald Trump for allegedly covering up a hush money payment to a porn star is underway, highlighting the challenges of insulating jurors from social media influence. Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Wisconsin to announce new rules aimed at improving access to long-term care and enhancing the quality of caregiving jobs. President Joe Biden is celebrating Earth Day by unveiling $7 billion in grants for residential solar projects that will benefit low-income households. TikTok has expressed concerns about a House of Representatives bill that would ban the app in the U.S. if its Chinese owner does not sell its stake within a year. Other news includes Columbia University canceling in-person classes due to pro-Palestinian protests, the insurer for Trump’s $175 million bond facing scrutiny, and the selection of 12 jurors for Trump’s hush money trial.

Earth Day: A History of Environmental Awareness

Earth Day, founded in 1970, is a global event that raises awareness about environmental issues. Celebrated on April 22, events include rallies, cleanups, and educational programs. Originated by former Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day has sparked environmental legislation and inspired young people. The event’s popularity among college students led to its date, April 22. Earth Day has been celebrated on various days globally, with the United Nations recognizing it on the vernal equinox around March 21.

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