Map and list of cities hosting events for Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22

Earth Day will be celebrated around the world on Tuesday, April 22, marking more than half a century since its inception as a grassroots environmental movement in the United States. The date has grown from a national campaign into a global day of action, with participants in more than 190 countries expected to take part this year.

First observed in 1970, Earth Day was created to galvanize public awareness and political action around environmental issues. The movement has since evolved into the world’s largest secular observance, with EarthDay.org estimating that over 1 billion people engage in Earth Day activities each year.

Though environmental challenges have shifted over the decades—from oil spills and air pollution to climate change and plastic waste—the spirit of Earth Day remains rooted in civic engagement and education.

Why It Matters

The origins of Earth Day lie in the environmental crises of the late 1960s, including the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and growing concerns about smog and polluted rivers. Democratic U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, known as the father of Earth Day, championed the idea of a nationwide teach-in to focus political attention on the environment.

Since it began, Earth Day has centered on civic engagement. In 1970, approximately 20 million people—representing 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time—gathered to demand stronger environmental safeguards, marking the inaugural Earth Day, according to EarthDay.org.

Those early demonstrations helped spur creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passage of key environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Today, the event connects local and global environmental goals, with participants engaging in activities from community cleanups and tree planting to legislative advocacy and sustainable living initiatives.

What To Know

This year’s Earth Day theme, set by EarthDay.org, is “Planet vs. Plastics,” calling for “a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.” The organization states that it aims to “build a plastic-free planet for generations to come.”

The EPA encourages Americans to mark the occasion through educational events and conservation efforts. “You can make a difference by reducing, reusing, and recycling; conserving water and energy; and learning more about your local environment,” the agency says on its official Earth Day page.

The National Park Service is also promoting outdoor stewardship. “Many parks are hosting volunteer events and other activities throughout the week of Earth Day,” its website says. It highlights opportunities such as removing invasive species, planting native vegetation and participating in community science projects. “Lend a hand and be a steward of your public lands by volunteering for Earth Day or throughout National Volunteer Week,” the agency encourages.

Map shows how many events are planned for Earth Day on April 22. Map shows how many events are planned for Earth Day on April 22. EarthDay.org

List of Cities Hosting Events for Earth Day 2025

Cities all over the globe are hosting events to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22. Events are registered on EarthDay.org and the full list can be found on the organization’s website.

Here’s a list of some events happening in each state on or around April 22:

What’s Next

In the U.S., the EPA will continue promoting its “Environmental Education” resources, while the National Park Service’s Earth Day Volunteer Week runs through April 27. Organizers are encouraging Americans to participate by visiting national parks, joining local service projects or simply making sustainable choices at home.

Whether through community involvement or personal habits, organizers emphasize that Earth Day remains a chance for individuals and institutions alike to demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility—and to inspire others to do the same.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *