April 22nd is Earth Day, the annual celebration of environmental awareness and climate mobilization around the world. Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has become recognized as the largest secular observance in the world. That’s more than 1 billion people across 190 countries taking a stand for the environment every year!
This year, Earth Day 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of the event. Let’s take a look back at the history of Earth Day and how it sparked the modern environmental movement.
In January 1969, a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California spilled more than 3 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. The spill ravaged the coast, killing more than 10,000 seabirds, seals, sea-lions, and fish. Motivated by the disaster, lawmakers and activists seized on public outrage and began organizing environmental initiatives. One of these initiatives was Earth Day, and in April 1970 the first Earth Day was recognized in schools and universities across America.
Since it’s humble beginnings, Earth Day has inspired millions of people around the world to engage in local cleanups, peaceful mass demonstrations, and global climate awareness. In 2016, the UN chose Earth Day to mark the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, an unprecedented commitment by world governments to cooperate towards shared environmental goals.
How do you celebrate Earth Day? If you can’t find the time to clean up around your neighborhood, you can do your part by educating yourself about the incredible biodiversity on the planet we call home. Here’s a selection of wildlife & nature titles that showcase mother nature in all her glory on Getfactual.tv:
The Secret Garden
Small field voles, a shy weasel, grass snakes, playful dormice: take a journey into the hidden and exotic wilderness of your own backyard.
The Colors of The Desert
Travel to the Sahara, Mojave, and the Colorado Plateau as we seek out the world’s most majestic desert landscapes in this fascinating docu-series.
Adventure Ocean Quest
Follow a world champion free-diver on his breathtaking journey into the deep. His mission? Record an intimate examination of aquatic behavior by using only the least obtrusive of methods – diving by holding your breath.
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