As world leaders gather in New York for Climate Week, the urgency of their task has never been greater. This year’s summit arrives on the heels of the third-hottest summer ever recorded in the northern hemisphere (surpassed only by 2023 and 2024) and a season defined by extreme weather disasters that made the climate crisis impossible to ignore.

The Palisades Fire tore through Los Angeles, leveling homes in affluent communities where the impacts of climate change had typically felt more abstract and remote. More people died from wildfire smoke in the US last year than from car crashes. Across the country, unprecedented flooding devastated towns from Asheville, North Carolina, where entire communities lost their homes and businesses, to Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, where 20 young campers and seven adults tragically perished.

Despite mounting human suffering and the nation’s top scientists sounding the alarm on the health impacts of climate change with new studies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, is now moving to dismantle the very foundation of U.S. climate policy. He proposes eliminating the EPA’s Endangerment Finding — a cornerstone ruling that recognizes greenhouse gases as a threat to public health and gives the agency the authority to limit pollution from vehicles and power plants. Zeldin’s move flies in the face of science, law, and basic morality

United in Action

This is why EARTHDAY.ORG joined with the Climate Action Campaign (CAC), and dozens of allied organizations to deliver over 225,000 public comments to the EPA, in person, urging them to uphold the Endangerment Finding. On September 17, we gathered at the U.S. Capitol for a press conference that underscored just how high the stakes are.

In a room filled with journalists and climate advocates, eight members of Congress—from Maine to Texas—spoke candidly about how climate change is already harming Americans of every background, through rising seas, collapsing fisheries, emerging diseases, and worsening wildfires.

Senator Ed Markey, of Massachusetts, warned that repealing the Endangerment Finding would eliminate regulations that “will kill jobs, cause families to shell out more for gasoline, and hurt our kids with asthma attacks.” 

Representative Chellie Pingree, of Maine, spoke to the collapse of her state’s fishing economy and the spread of climate-driven diseases: “It impacts our lives every single day. It’s impacting our economy and our livelihood.” 

Rejecting the influence of corporate profiteers, Senator Alex Padilla, of California, reaffirmed his commitment to constituents: “We refuse to allow corporations to speak louder than our kids and our neighbors. We’re seeing industry profits rise while communities burn down. And we’ll keep speaking out. We’ll keep standing up to what we know is wrong, because too many lives and future generations depend on it.“

The most powerful testimony, however, came from children. One girl declared, “Kids want the EPA to protect our health and future. Our generation is expected to live through three times as many climate disasters as our grandparents, and we’re already living through them.” 

An impassioned boy pleaded, “To every adult listening today who cares about children now and our lives in the future, we are asking you to please protect the Endangerment Finding and our future.” Their words were a reminder that climate change is not an abstract threat. It is impacting the lives of real people, in real time.

Delivering Public Outcry

After the press conference, we carried box after box of public comments to the EPA headquarters. Though the agency has recently weakened many avenues for public input, we refuse to let these voices go unheard, even if we have to deliver their comments by hand. 

As we set the boxes down in the EPA’s lobby, recently adorned with an austere presidential portrait, it was a good moment to reflect on everything we had heard at the Capitol from both seasoned elected leaders and young activists alike. Every person who spoke did so because they or their communities had already suffered loss because of climate change. Their message was clear: denying the causes, reality and dangers of climate change is not just a policy failure, it is an act of harm that results in destroyed homes, lost livelihoods, and shattered futures. If the Endangerment Finding is repealed, lives will be lost.

All of this unfolds on the eve of Climate Week NYC, beginning September 21. These global summits have often been criticized as inaccessible and toothless, more about speeches than solutions. But with the Endangerment Finding under direct attack, it is no longer enough for leaders to merely acknowledge the climate crisis.

The EPA is doing everything it can to deny the terrible costs of climate change, and we need the participants of Climate Week to help set the record straight. They must speak up and act, and they must do so with the same urgency that millions of families already feel in their lungs, their wallets, and their communities.

Want to make a difference? On a related issue, you can speak out by writing to strongly oppose Section 453 of the Interior Appropriations Bill, which would grant pesticide manufacturers broad legal immunity, even when their products cause harm.

The post Smoke on the Hill: Saving Climate Protections appeared first on Earth Day.

Author: Evan Raskin

keep dc green! a day of climate action at city hall

On Monday, July 14, the first vote will be held by the DC City Council on Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget cuts, which strip millions of dollars from crucial environmental programs that residents depend on for their health and financial wellbeing. The DC environmental community has fought back in full force, and I’d like to share with you how we’ve stepped up and how you can too (spoiler: the best thing you can do is call Chairman Mendelson at 202-724-8032).

Bright and early on an unseasonably warm morning (thank you climate change!) on Monday, June 16th, I headed to the Wilson Building, Washington DC’s city hall, for the DC Green Budget Day of Action. The front steps were awash in a sea of green with over 100 leaders representing nearly every local and national environmental group based in DC. I could hardly be surprised by the turnout, as on the previous Friday, the city held a hearing on the environmental budget which received over 11 hours of testimony from myself and others ranging from seasoned climate activists to high school students speaking up to secure the future they deserve. The words of one student echoed in my head as I approached city hall: “[the proposed budget] is robbing the next generation of our future!” That morning, we all stood united, ready to defend years of hard work that had elevated Washington into a leading example of urban conservation and climate action.

This is the worst budget that I’ve seen on climate, energy, and our environment—and we have to reverse it. We have to resist. We have to fight back.

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen Tweet

The budget proposed by Mayor Bowser threatened to not only halt this progress but dismantle it; funding for the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) would be cut by 24% (closer to 40% when accounting for lost federal matching dollars, according to Councilmember Allen), more than any other area of government. The remaining funding would be enough to preserve staff, but nothing more; virtually all programs, from building renewable energy to public health initiatives would come to a grinding halt.

The energy was high as the Day of Action began with a rally and press conference. Leaders spoke with unwavering determination, speaking to a sidewalk packed with journalists about how each blow to the DOEE not only sets our city back on its climate commitments, but also wounds our communities as well, by eliminating services they depend on for public health and financial stability. This message was backed up by Councilmembers Charles Allen and Matthew Frumin, who joined us on stage to tell the media just how important these programs are to Washington’s future. “This is the worst budget that I’ve seen on climate, energy, and our environment—and we have to reverse it. We have to resist. We have to fight back,” said Allen.

As the press conference concluded, we split off into advocacy teams, each focused on a different priority topic. In the spirit of the ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ theme for Earth Day, I naturally chose to join the advocacy team focused on energy topics. With about 20 members on the team, our remarkable group size would be sure to catch the attention of the council members and their staff that we would meet today.

As the energy team, our advocacy was primarily focused on the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), which is paid for as a fee on every DC resident’s electric bills and provides the funding for beneficial programs such as:

• Healthy Homes Act, which ensures that low-income families aren’t forced to choose between living in a healthy environment and paying for expensive home repairs and appliance replacements.
• DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), which helps residents and businesses cut energy costs through efficiency upgrades.
• Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator, which improves energy performance in affordable multifamily housing, helping to reduce utility and housing costs.
• DC Green Bank, which helps DC businesses and community institutions invest in solar power, energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transportation, and stormwater resilience.
• Workforce development programs that prepare DC residents for well-paying green jobs.

The proposed budget would divert about $70.1 million (not including $18 million in lost federal matching funds), or about three quarters of the entire fund away from its intended purposes to be used elsewhere, such as paying the city’s own electric bills; however, the fee charged to residents would not decrease. Instead of the fund covering expenses for residents, the residents would be covering the city’s expenses instead!

Additionally, we fought to preserve laws that ensure that the city’s future will be built on a sustainable foundation, such as the Building Energy Performance Standard, Greener Government Buildings Act, and Clean Energy DC Building Code Act, all of which ensure that DC’s built environment respects nature and climate. We also worked to safeguard the Solar For All program, which only just last year on Earth Day, the city announced an expansion to serve an additional 19,000 households; today, its future is now uncertain.

With our talking points and strategy now set, we headed into the ornate marble halls of the Wilson Building to meet with the City Council and make our voices heard. The day started with a hallway meeting with Councilmember Parker’s staff, during which we called for the preservation of the SETF, emphasizing how the Healthy Homes Act provides vital protection from the worst forms of indoor air pollution to populations who are most at risk. We then headed to Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder’s office, where Allison Ewing—a member of our advocacy team and a Ward 7 resident—shared how access to solar power was a transformative opportunity for her family. “Last summer, we decided to [install solar panels] at no cost of our own. Previously, because we are a multigenerational family, we have kind of a big house. Our utility bills could be, at the worst, they were like $600 a month but once we got the solar panels installed, our utility bills have gone down to like $16 a month, and we get refunds. So that’s been wonderful. Some of our neighbors have been able to also go solar, and that’s been exciting.” Allison’s story made a real impact on the councilmember, who represents a district in DC which has historically been economically disadvantaged; Councilmember Felder made clear that our advocacy was heard and that he understands the opportunity renewable energy poses to improve the lives of everyday people. The day continued at a swift pace, moving from office to office taking meetings with anyone who had an available staffer to lend us an ear.

Determined to make ourselves heard by as many members of city government as possible before the day was over, we persisted tirelessly with barely enough time for water between meetings. Even if our feet were tired, we stayed motivated to put one foot in front of the other, as each meeting was well worth it; every single person we met with voiced their recognition that climate action is important and that DC residents are counting on these services for the best possible quality of life.

Our conversations in city hall were met with a level of support that left me feeling confounded; in a city that has historically been a leader on climate change, with many of its council members still in support, how did we find ourselves in this position? With time running out to reach our climate goals, why does the mayor appear to be prioritizing a $1 billion deal to renovate RFK Stadium at the expense of sustainability programs that decarbonize the city and are relied upon by her constituents just to get by? At a time when DC is mandated under the Clean Energy Omnibus Act to achieve 100% Tier 1 renewable energy by 2032, this budget gives the local government no chance to deliver. If passed as-is, this budget guarantees failure for not only our climate goals, but for the people who depend on this work most.

The situation may look dire, but I left the Wilson Building that day feeling hopeful, uplifted that several councilmembers we had spoken with had promised to fight to maintain vital climate programs and had voiced that we were likely to see some success in our top priorities. This is what happens when everyday people make their voices heard; as the 2025 Earth Day theme reminds us, it’s Our Power that shapes the future of Our Planet. Your power can make a difference in your community. Sign up as a volunteer and we’ll send you information on advocacy opportunities along with resources, training, and support to take action in your city. Anyone can be a climate champion—take it from Benjamin Abel, our newest intern whose first experience with advocacy was at the DC Green Budget Day of Action: “I was able to participate in sharing community concerns in person with councilmembers, and it made me feel like I was having a real impact in a way that I never have before. To anyone considering attending such an event: Go! Only by making our voices heard can we make a difference.”

Looking for how you can make a difference today? Contact Chairman Phil Mendelson at (202) 724-8032 or pmendelson@dccouncil.gov by July 28 and let them know that restoring funding to DC environmental programs, especially the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund, should be his top priority. So far, Mendelson has restored about $20 million to the environmental budget in response to our advocacy, and the more he hears from us, the more likely we are to see further progress. We must ensure the council hears our message

The post Keep DC Green! A Day of Climate Action at City Hall appeared first on Earth Day.

As the UN Climate Change Conference kicks off in Bonn, Germany this week  – and hundreds of youth activists descend on the city to make their voices heard in a collaborative and meaningful way – we are reminded yet again of the power of youth activism.

Since the very first Earth Day in 1970, young people have always played a pivotal role in shaping the environmental movement. Back then, student-led organizing, organized by Denis Hayes, brought 20 million Americans into the streets, catalyzing landmark environmental protections that endure today like the Clean Air and the Clean Water Act.

More than five decades later, the torch is still being carried by a new generation of youth leaders—only now, the urgency is even greater. With the escalating impacts of climate change threatening their future, students across the country are stepping up to demand action from the ground up, starting in their own communities.

This Earth Month, as part of the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, youth leaders of all backgrounds stepped up as advocates for renewable energy and climate action at the city level. Throughout Earth Month, students met with their mayors and other local elected leaders in cities nationwide to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for their communities, reminding city governments that the Our Power, Our Planet theme for Earth Day 2025 calls on each and every one of us to do what they can to build a stronger community through climate action.

These Earth Action Day Roundtable events weren’t just symbolic—they were avenues for real progress, resource allocation, and public commitments from elected officials.

Atlanta, GA: Funding Climate Solutions from the Ground Up

In Atlanta, Earth Day was marked by the second annual Atlanta Youth Climate Action Summit, a collaborative effort between the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience in partnership with EARTHDAY.ORG, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and 21st Century Leaders. The event highlighted the voices and ideas of young changemakers while also providing critical support for their work.

A highlight of the summit was the announcement of the Youth Climate Action Fund’s second round of grant recipients, with $85,000 awarded to youth-led projects focused on implementing climate solutions in their communities.

But the city’s commitment didn’t stop there. Atlanta also kicked off Earth Month by announcing its participation in the UN-backed “Race to Resilience” campaign, which will expand access to renewable energy, increase tree canopy coverage, and improve food waste systems across the city. Additionally, Atlanta launched an inclusive community engagement process for its first comprehensive action plan for climate resilience during Earth Month, aiming to strengthen the city’s ability to prepare for and adapt to climate-related challenges.

San Francisco, CA: Youth Visions for a Sustainable Future

On the West Coast, the San Francisco Climate Action Youth Summit brought together more than 3,000 attendees for a day of education, advocacy, and strategy. Young people came together with the mayor, the San Francisco Environment Department, community groups, and other city leaders for an impactful event featuring student presentations to policymakers and interdisciplinary climate literacy workshops.

“San Francisco has always led on climate action—but we can’t do it alone,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Hearing from the next generation of climate leaders today inspired me. Their energy and ideas are essential to building a sustainable future.”

In addition to its focus on advocacy, the summit also served as a career accelerator, helping young people challenge the misconception that taking action on climate change is only for scientists and activists; rather, this event encouraged students to consider how careers across sectors can contribute to a sustainable and thriving future for their community.

“The work ahead is going to take everyone—nonprofits, community based organizations, business leaders, changemakers, elected officials, all City departments and our youth—to build a future where every San Franciscan can thrive.” said Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department. “Young people are a tremendous force for the environment. They are vital to this City, and play a key role in ensuring the health and safety of our planet and our City.”

Concord, NH: Honest Conversations and Local Accountability

On Earth Day, residents of New Hampshire’s capital city gathered with Mayor Byron Champlin, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, and several city councilors and other city officials for an Earth Day town hall event focused on charting the future of sustainability and climate action in the community.

Myrick Oxnard, head of Concord High School’s environmental club, took center stage with a passionate call for the city to go beyond symbolic gestures and deliver real climate solutions: “As seniors, my classmates and I often find ourselves talking about what our futures might hold — but more often than not, I’ve found not excitement and hope, but shared anxiety and fear. We can and we should celebrate our wins as a community, but we must not forget that there is an enormous amount of progress to be made.”

City officials used the occasion to outline next steps, including efficiency upgrades to municipal buildings and vehicles, among other existing and upcoming sustainability measures. Concord and other communities in New Hampshire have recently made meaningful strides on renewable energy generation by developing plans to increase clean power access while lowering residents’ electric bills.

Austin, TX: Equity at the Center

In Austin, young people are helping shape climate policy not just through advocacy, but through co-creation. Earlier this year, the Austin Youth Climate Equity Council, an initiative of Ecorise, hosted a major listening session that brought together youth from across Central Texas to inform the City’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

“Today’s youth are powerful advocates for a sustainable future, and their voices are important,” said Zach Baumer, Director of the City’s Office of Climate Action and Resilience. “These discussions are helping the City of Austin build a plan that reflects the diverse communities it aims to serve.”

Students shared powerful reflections with EARTHDAY.ORG after the event. “I think knowing how to advocate for yourself is the greatest skill you can cultivate, and through this work I’m doing good and pushing myself to absorb all the education that I can.” said Annika Wood Akinmusuru a Junior at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders “I think that most people feel they don’t know enough about climate change to share their opinions and that there is all this work that they have to put in before contributing, but I disagree. I think that most people know how climate change is affecting them and they have the tools to advocate for what they want to change.”

Odette Rodriguez, a senior at Northeast Early College High School, underscored the importance of justice: “I hope to drive social change that prioritizes teenagers, particularly in addressing social equity issues affecting low-income communities. My goal is to advocate for policies that tackle the injustices these communities face, especially in the context of climate change.” She also shared a clear vision on the role of local government in fostering the next generation of environmental leadership through climate literacy: “Cities should create cohesive spaces where environmental education starts at an early age, beginning in elementary school. It’s essential to instill an understanding of nature’s value and the responsibility we have to protect it.”

Elijah Scott, a Junior at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, felt that the experience motivated him to keep making his voice heard: “After the experience, participants noted that it was assuring, and relieving to know that they had the ears of city leaders on their side. Being involved gave me a newfound hope, and excitement for a greener future. … Civic engagement is very important to me because it allows me to play a part in contributing to the “greater good” in a way that positively impacts humanity.”

The insights shared by these students and their peers shaped recommendations on housing, transportation, and environmental education, demonstrating that communities are better prepared to address climate challenges when diverse voices are included in the decision making process.

Burlington, VT: Campus, City, and State Leaders Unite

On Monday, April 21st, 2025, the Rubenstein Student Advisory Board at University of Vermont (UVM) partnered with EARTHDAY.ORG to host an Earth Action Day Roundtable, in which students led a discussion with subnational government leaders about the future of renewable energy and climate action, not only in Burlington but also statewide. The event was well attended by elected officials, with two Vermont State Senators (Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Senator Tanya Vyhovsky) and four Burlington City Council members (Gene Bergman, Ben Traverse, Carter Neubieser, and Becca Brown McKnight) participating in the dialogue.

“It was truly rewarding to foster an environment of climate change dialogue amongst other passionate students,” said UVM student, Earth Day intern and event organizer Sean Swikle. “Through the planning process and execution of the event, I learned the importance of community engagement and local government leadership. I am in awe of this generation of student activists and I hope this event serves as a catalyst towards furthering climate advocacy.”

Across the country, young people are making it clear: they are not just the voices of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. Their advocacy is shaping local climate priorities, winning investments in community resilience, and pushing policy makers to act with the urgency this moment demands.

Evidently, young people are speaking truth to power and making a difference in cities nationwide, and there are many more opportunities to come. Along the road to next Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG will be mobilizing year-round for similar advocacy opportunities where you can make your voice heard for local climate decision making in your community.

Join us in making your voice heard—because it’s Our Power, Our Planet, and our year to make a difference.

The post Young People Leading the Way on Local Climate Action for Earth Day 2025 appeared first on Earth Day.

Today is Earth Day and this year we are focusing on making an impact with Earth Action Day; connecting communities and their lawmakers for an open and honest conversation on how renewable energy can work for them. 

When people imagine renewable energy projects, they often picture solar farms in California or offshore wind turbines along the East Coast. This mental image can stem from a perception that clean energy is a politically-charged topic with parties taking opposing viewpoints; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, much of the United States’ clean power production happens in the politically-diverse heartland of Middle America, with some of the most exciting renewable energy transitions occurring in unexpected places.

The 2025 Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights not only the need for expanded renewable energy but also the broad benefits it provides. Beyond reducing emissions, clean energy bolsters local economies through job creation and lower energy bills, while also making communities more resilient to extreme weather events. 

The cities listed below are proving that the energy transition is not just for coastal hubs—it’s happening all over America.

Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is exceeding national expectations with its climate action efforts. The city reached its 2030 goal of a 45% emissions reduction an entire decade early in 2020. This is particularly noteworthy in Iowa, a traditionally conservative state without widespread consensus on the benefits of clean power. Much of this success is due to widespread adoption of wind energy.

Innovative programs like Iowa City’s rental electrification initiative are also breaking new ground. The city is piloting a program that incentivizes home energy upgrades for rental properties in exchange for landlords accepting low-income housing vouchers. The first five properties will receive upgrades this year, making Iowa City the first in the nation to attempt such a program.

Additionally, the city will receive Iowa’s first patrol-rated electric police vehicle in 2025, further demonstrating the role of climate solutions in the future of public safety. Iowa City would have received the vehicle even earlier if the original car hadn’t been hit by a tornado on its way to the city last year!

Denton, TX

Denton stands out as the only city in Texas where all residences and businesses operate on 100% renewable energy. Serving 64,000 customers, the city boasts the highest wind power per capita in the U.S.

Denton’s City Council has also adopted its first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which creates an action plan for the city to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 while also ensuring resilience to the risks of climate change. Transportation accounts for 66.3% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, making clean vehicle investments a crucial next step.

In 2020, Denton achieved its ambitious goal of fulfilling all electricity demand through wind and solar power. These measures not only position the city as a national leader on clean energy but also are projected to save the city over $500 million over a 20 year period.

Salt Lake City and Utah Renewable Communities

Salt Lake City, Utah, has not only improved its own economy and air quality through renewable energy, but has also stepped up to lead cities across the state to a sustainable and healthy future.

“Salt Lake City’s flagship solar project has cut an estimated 100,000 metric tons of climate pollution from the regional electric grid. It’s also saving our taxpayers an estimated $1 million annually. We’ll continue to lead by example in the transition to clean energy,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Salt Lake City sources about 80% of our electricity from this collaborative project. Next year, we plan to launch the Utah Renewable Communities program, a collaboration among 19 Utah communities and the state’s largest electric utility, giving residents and businesses a path toward our goal of net-100% clean electricity by 2030.”

Utah Renewable Communities is an unprecedented coalition of local governments across the state working together toward 100% clean energy. This initiative, the first of its kind in the US, aims to launch a default net-100% renewable electricity option for customers of Rocky Mountain Power, Utah’s major utility provider.

Established through the 2019 Community Renewable Energy Act, this pioneering effort serves as a model for municipal collaboration with a major utility. 19 local governments across Utah have joined the coalition so far, with a combined total population of over 2.8 million energy customers who will benefit from this initiative. These local governments will be adopting the program’s policy framework this fall, with full implementation occurring in Spring of 2026, right in time for next year’s Earth Day!

Nashville, TN

The Tennessee state capitol is rapidly scaling up its clean power generation through a combination of solar initiatives. The city has implemented rooftop solar on local government buildings and collaborated with Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Invest program for large-scale solar.

In addition to efforts to increase renewable energy generation, Nashville also uses geothermal technology to improve energy efficiency for heating and cooling several city facilities.

Mesquite, TX

Mesquite is making waves in the renewable energy sector thanks to attracting a Canadian Solar manufacturing plant which has a production capacity of 5 GW annually — enough to power about 850,000 homes per year!

This $250 million project has generated over 1,500 new jobs in the area, demonstrating the economic benefits of solar energy expansion. By fostering industrial-scale solar manufacturing, Mesquite is positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy economy, and helping other communities across the country access home-grown clean power technology.

Boise, ID

Boise is leading Idaho’s clean energy transition with a goal of achieving 100% clean electricity for all residents and businesses by 2035. With the community spending approximately $250 million annually on energy—an amount expected to more than double in the next two decades—renewable energy offers a fiscally responsible alternative. 

Community engagement is strong, with over 75% of residents supporting the city’s goals to improve energy efficiency and power the city with renewable energy. A recent survey showed that citizens’ top priorities for the future of Boise’s energy supply include: affordable and reliable access to energy, addressing climate impacts through renewable energy, and supporting local jobs and the economy through clean power implementation.

Clean Power from Coast to Coast

The cities on this list prove that America’s energy transition is happening in all corners of the country and that every community stands to gain from renewable power sources. By investing in renewables, these communities are creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and increasing resilience to extreme weather events, ultimately safeguarding their futures.

Want to support clean energy in your city? Get involved year-round in local government decision-making by organizing an Earth Action Day roundtable and advocating for sustainability initiatives where you live. They can happen any time, not just on Earth Day! The transition to renewable energy is happening all around us—make sure your community is part of the movement.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

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Every year on January 28th, Global Community Engagement Day inspires individuals, organizations, and institutions to form stronger bonds with their communities. These values have been the foundation of every Earth Day as well. 

For 55 years, Earth Day has changed the world each year by providing opportunities for communities to come together, forming a network of support which keeps neighborhoods clean, educates people of all ages about our changing climate, renewable energy deforestation and how plastics poses a risk to human health, and advocates for measures that not only heal the planet but also ensure safe, healthy, and prosperous communities. 

This Global Community Engagement Day, why don’t you take a minute to explore these five opportunities to make a difference in your community every single day and join the Earth Day movement!

Meet with your Mayor for Earth Action Day

Earth Action Day is our brand new campaign inviting the people all over the world to get involved and be part of the solution. How? Engage with your local elected officials, like town mayors, in meaningful dialogue about everything related to the environment. But in 2025 we strongly suggest you give a special focus to renewable energy. Why? Because for 2025 EARTHDAY.ORG designated the global Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet, with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. Renewable energy comes from replenishable sources, like the sun, which do not produce greenhouse gasses and therefore do not drive climate change. It is energy that ends our reliance on fossil fuels and the damage they cause to both our environment and human health.

Did You Know?

Renewable energy represented 25% of the electricity generated in the United States alone in the first 6 months of 2023, with some researchers predicting that within ten years, renewable energy could account for 90% of US energy needs. We have the technology to meet our global energy needs with clean, affordable, renewable power from solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and hydro resources — all of which can be stored using batteries and fuel cells.

Renewable Energy = Jobs

Renewable energy is not only cleaner and healthier — it represents a huge economic opportunity and will create 14 million new jobs globally. 

We can help you plan a roundtable event in your community, ensure participation from local government officials, and start talking about how you can back renewable energy! Contact Evan Raskin, National Campaign Manager, at raskin@earthday.org to join Earth Action Day.

Join the Great Global Cleanup

Cleanups are a fun and easy way to amplify your impact, meet like minded people and pick up a lot of trash! Mainly plastic trash!  

EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO) is focused on accelerating solutions to combat plastic pollution by activating governments, citizens, and businesses to do their part– everyone accounted for, everyone accountable. 

It’s YOUR turn to make a difference, starting with organizing your own clean up or joining an existing community cleanup. It’s easy!  Visit the Great Global Cleanup site or contact Michael Karapetian, Great Global Cleanup Coordinator, at karapetian@earthday.org to clean up your community this Earth Day.

Sign the Climate Education letter for Businesses

EDO is calling on all business leaders to join our campaign advocating for climate education in schools, colleges, and vocational training programs worldwide. Companies such as UPS, LinkedIn, and AXA Insurance have already pledged their support, and we invite you to add your voice to this critical initiative. If you are a local business or business leader why not give it a read and sign on!

By supporting climate education, you are investing in a sustainable future for both the planet. If you are a business leader interested in signing this letter, please reach out to Ryan Taylor directly at taylor@earthday.org.

Unite with the EARTHDAY.ORG Campus Coalition

College students have been the driving force behind Earth Day since the beginning  when a student activist named Denis Hayes organized the very first Earth Day back in 1970 and helped to rally 20 million Americans to march for change to protect the environment. 

EARTHDAY.ORG’s Campus Coalition unites campus community members worldwide to carry out Earth Day actions at their universities, schools and colleges. Students, professors, and university administrators who want to learn more and get involved can contact Lee Franklin, Campus Coordinator, at franklin@earthday.org to get involved.

Come Together for Climate Action Through Faith

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the faith community has had a critical voice in overcoming obstacles and integrating environmental issues into political, social and economic agendas. We invite faith communities from all backgrounds to come together under the common cause of caring for the divine creation. 

Our very own Libby Bunch, a committed Christian showcased her commitment in a powerful Op Ed this Christmas, 2024. 

The Our Power, Our Planet, theme for Earth Day 2025 encourages Communities of Faith to consider their congregation’s role in a clean energy future and how we can all be better stewards of creation. To learn more about the Faith & the Environment initiative and how we can support your congregation this Earth Day, please contact Libby Bunch at bunch@earthday.org.

There’s something for everyone and every community! Make 2025 your year to get involved in the EARTH DAY movement and make a positive difference to the planet. For 55 years Earth Day has been making a difference, we’re not stopping now.

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President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on Tuesday, August 16^th, which contains $369 billion in funding to build clean-energy infrastructure, accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, improve energy efficiency, and ensure environmental justice. The passage of this law marks the largest investment ever in sustainability and climate in the history of the United States.

The new law will slash climate pollution by an estimated 40% over the next decade by incentivizing stakeholders across sectors to Invest in Our Planet. In the process, over 9 million new clean energy and environmental jobs are projected to be created by the end of the decade, in addition to revitalizing American manufacturing by supporting domestic production of clean energy & transportation technology. The Inflation Reduction Act will even pay for itself by generating an estimated $300 billion surplus, all without having any effect on most Americans’ taxes.

How Does the IRA Work to Solve Climate?

• Major investment in renewable energy infrastructure with $260 billion in clean-energy tax credits, reducing emissions from electricity by 80%
• ~$80 billion in incentives to modernize transportation through electric vehicle rebates
• Formation of a $27 billion Green Bank to rapidly deploy clean energy tech
• $1.5 billion in incentives for methane reductions
• Supports the EPA cleaning up air pollution around schools and ports
• Reduces emissions from trucks and heavy-duty vehicles
• Provide health care to coal miners suffering from black lung
• $4 billion in funding to combat droughts
• Additional funding for homeowners to increase energy and water conservation

How Does the IRA Help American Families?

• Tax incentives that can help low- and moderate-income families save money on their energy bills, leading to potential up-front savings of $28,500 per household
• The average family is projected to annually spend $1,025 less on energy in 2030 than it does today
• Up to $7500 in tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles
• $7000 average savings on installing rooftop solar panels
• Up to $14,000 in rebates to switch over to electric appliances.
• More tax cuts and rebates for implementing energy efficiency measures
• This law protects public health, preventing up to 3,900 premature deaths, 100,000 asthma attacks, and 417,000 lost workdays annually by 2030
• The IRA won’t impact taxes for any private citizens

The Inflation Reduction Act brings the country well within range of meeting its Paris Agreement commitment to cut U.S. emissions in half by the end of the decade; however, the IRA alone falls short of the nation’s net zero commitments for 2030 and 2050. To reach these goals, cooperation from state and local governments is essential; many officials, such as the Governor of Colorado and Mayor of DC, have already made significant progress and recently committed to deploying further strategies to reduce emissions. Be a part of our Green Cities campaign by calling on your local leaders to join this effort to strengthen communities and invest in our planet.

Through these efforts combined, it is possible for the United States to not only meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement but also surpass them. Achieving this feat as a leading nation on the world stage will send a strong signal to the international community for other countries to meet their Paris goals as well, leading to a significant drop in the price of renewable energy and subsequently reducing carbon emissions worldwide.

This November, the midterm election will decide whether this momentum carries us on to a strong sustainable future, or dies out in legislative gridlock. While the IRA represents a significant step forward for global sustainability, it only passed through Congress by a razor-thin margin that required cutting nearly 60% of the environmental action included in the original plan for federal climate policy.

It has never been more urgent to Vote Earth.

To ensure that further climate action can be taken, we need leaders that will represent the public’s need for healthy environments and a stable climate. Electing these leaders is the greatest impact you can make as an individual to restore our Earth. Use our streamlined tools to quickly and easily register to vote, confirm/update your existing registration, learn about your voting rights, and make a plan to make it to the polls.

Invest in democracy. Invest in Our Planet.

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As Earth Month drew to a close, the state of California was recently able to produce virtually all of their energy needs from renewable sources for the first time ever.

In early April, the state achieved a new record at 97.6% renewable power, and on May 2 they were able to reach 99.9%. On May 8 the record was broken yet again, with 103% of the state’s power needs being met by renewables for a few hours.

This landmark moment highlights the viability of renewable energy on a large scale, proving that governments of all sizes have the capability to Invest in Our Planet. If it were an independent nation, California’s $3.14 trillion economy would be the fifth largest in the world.

While state leadership played a significant role in this accomplishment, local governments made important contributions that led to California’s success this spring. City leadership on renewable energy hit an all time high in the last year, having more than doubled the amount of clean power deals made in the previous year.

To set our sights on a fully carbon-free future, however, there is still work to be done to ensure that clean power is available at all times; when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, California must still rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demands. 

Large-scale battery projects are essential to providing clean energy around the clock, allowing solar power generated during the day to be stored and used after sunset. The state has invested in massive efforts to scale up the grid’s storage capacity in recognition of this need, and battery storage in California has already increased 20-fold since 2019. These efforts have been aided by a 97% decrease in the production cost of batteries over the last 30 years, a trend that continues to accelerate year after year. The US is also home to one of the largest deposits of lithium (an essential mineral for battery production), of which only 1% is currently being used; sustainably extracting this resource will be necessary to achieve the speed and scale needed for the US to meet its climate goals.

For California to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2045, solar and wind projects will need to be built 3 times faster and battery storage expansion will need to be developed 8 times faster.  In addition to the trends in battery production described above, the renewable energy industry is evolving to bring this goal well within reach. Clean power production in California has tripled since 2005, largely due to increased cost efficiency in renewable energy. Over the last decade, the price of renewable energy has plummeted: wind has become 3 times more affordable and solar has become 10 times more affordable, making it more cost effective than any fossil fuel-burning power source.

Recognizing the benefits to the economy and national security, President Biden announced new executive orders on June 6th to Invest in Our Planet by accelerating the transition to renewable energy in the US. The President authorized the Department of Energy to use the Defense Production Act to increase production of key components for solar panels, while also lifting tariffs that formed significant barriers to expanding the US solar industry. This action is a significant and direct investment from the federal government to meet its climate commitments, which is likely to further fuel the progress seen recently in California and localities nationwide.

Momentum is on our side. The more we Invest in Our Planet, the more these trends will accelerate.

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