This year, the conference — known as Science in My Life — officially partnered with EARTHDAY.ORG, landing on the map as one of many global Earth Day initiatives. It took on the 2026 theme Our Power, Our Planet and involved student presentations devoted to climate-friendly and sustainable technologies and innovations, which stemmed from their education at the university. 

The conference was first started as an initiative for local physics students by Natalia Bilonozhko, an Associate Professor of Philology at the university. In the following years it ended up growing exponentially, including faculty and students from other departments and institutes. 

KNU described the conference’s focus as “formation of an environmentally responsible scientific identity in the face of modern global challenges and uncertainty”, many of which are directly affecting the university during wartime. 

Nadiia Seryogina, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department, opened the conference with a speech describing the importance of preserving the environment and recognizing the various issues surrounding it, especially during wartime, which is uniquely destructive.

She emphasized Earth Day’s significance as not only a symbol, but a reminder of responsibility to the planet in the face of its continued devastation. She also recognized the significance of young scientists, who are next in line to take on the role of its protectors, a sentiment echoed by their actions. 

Throughout the years, the conference and those involved with it chose to persist, despite the many difficulties that were thrown their way — they were even interrupted by air raid alarms and were forced to move to a bomb shelter, which was where they completed the symposium. The conference lasted almost five hours and consisted of non-stop participant engagement, a reflection of the attendants’ devotion to their cause. 

Even through the harrowing threat, the students and faculty demonstrated determination and resilience by continuing their work, which looked to a hopeful future by its emphasis on the development of environmentally conscious benefits to society. 

The students’ presentations included reports on potentially transformative ideas, including prospects of hydrogen as a clean fuel, sustainable transport, and studies on environmental consciousness in young people, amongst many others. 

Maksym Hromov, a physics postgraduate student, described the conference as a pivotal opportunity for those involved, as it builds awareness of global issues, supports presentation and public speaking skills and allows them the ability to study and solve critical environmental challenges. 

Some presentations, he noted, were prepared to an impressive level, and were even advanced enough to serve as foundations for scientific publications. 

The Earth Day movement, driven by EARTHDAY.ORG, extends around the world, connecting all those who are part of the ongoing fight to protect our environment. You can stay updated on related news and events by signing up for our email list, or checking out our socials on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube. 

For individual actions you can take, check out our list of 50 Easy Ways to Help the Planet Every Day.

The post Earth Day: a Beacon of Hope for Ukrainian Students appeared first on Earth Day.

Two years ago, a college student at the University of Utah, Grace Christiansen, reached out to EARTHDAY.ORG. She told us that she was planning an Earth Action Rally at the Utah State Capitol the weekend after Earth Day 2025. As college campus coordinator, I hit the ground running, working with Grace to determine where we could offer her support.

The first question I asked her was what campus organization she was working with to put on the event. I remember Grace paused, seemingly confused, and finally stated that she was just doing this by herself. 

I was amazed. She just decided one day that this rally needed to happen and she would be the one to do it. All I do for a living is try to convince people to take action, and here was someone who was doing it without even being asked. 

I helped her submit her permit application for the south steps of the Utah Capitol and helped her reach out to local student organizations. Grace took care of the rest. 

The Earth Action Rally was a success, featuring speakers from several local and statewide organizations and even a Utah state senator. Grace knocked it out of the park on the first try. 

Going into Earth Day 2026, my role shifted away from campuses to activating volunteers and advocates of all ages. Again, without any encouragement from me, Grace reached out and let me know she was organizing another Earth Action Rally in 2026. I was thrilled.

This time, Grace didn’t need help with the logistics and scheduling. This time EARTHDAY.ORG was able to provide media outreach, support with coalition building, and even material support with free t-shirts and a banner. And of course, this year, EARTHDAY.ORG gave me the go-ahead to attend the rally and help amplify the “Our Power, Our Planet” message.

Utah may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of environmental issues, but the state is at the center of several. Most famous might be the Great Salt Lake, which has shrunken over the past several decades as a result of water overconsumption. The issue is especially top of mind this year after a historically dry winter, with very little snowpack to feed the lake. We were joined this year by the Utah Center for Biological Diversity to address this problem.

Connected to the issue of water consumption is the rise of data centers. The rise of data centers is not unique to Utah at all. However, the Utah State Government and some local governments have gone out of their way to make it as easy as possible for developers to build data centers, with little public input. Unchecked development of data centers will lead to greater consumption of water and open the door to higher emissions of CO2 and particulate matter to meet the new energy demand.

The issue of emissions takes us to one more environmental problem Utah faces, air quality in the Salt Lake Valley. With most Utahns living in and around valleys, fossil fuels pose a unique problem. Air is easily trapped in the valleys, so emissions from cars, power plants, or even data centers can be trapped as well. These emissions pose a direct threat to human health, which is why one of the organizations that joined us this year was Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment.

As Utah suffers from the pressure of higher energy demand and the limitations of its own environment, the Governor and State Legislature have decided that rather than invest in clean energy, they should decrease regulations on the construction of nuclear energy. This action is in lock step with the Trump administration’s wishes and a result of the Trump administration’s own policy of defunding the construction of renewable energy in favor of fossil fuels. 

Deregulation of nuclear energy is an issue which hits many Utahns close to home. Nuclear bomb test fallout during the 20th century led to negative health consequences in communities living downwind of the test sites, including Grace’s grandmother. As of January 2025, over 8,000 Utahns had received compensation through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

Rather than bending to the will of the tech industry, many Utahns would like to see their state government take a deliberate and careful approach to growing nuclear energy production. Healthy Environment Alliance (HEAL) of Utah joined the rally this year to spearhead this very issue.

For all of these reasons, Grace’s rally could not have been more timely. These issues were unified perfectly under the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet.” Even when federal, state, and local governments are making poor environmental policy decisions, we still have an obligation to exercise our power to protect our planet. And that is just what we did.

On April 26, 2026, I began my journey to Salt Lake City. I woke up at 3 a.m. and headed to the airport to fly across the country to speak at the rally that same day.

When I stepped off the plane, I could see it was going to be a cold, windy, and rainy day. When I climbed the steep hill and walked up to the front steps of the Utah State Capitol, I could feel the full force of the wind and the rain was beginning to fall. 

At first only a few people arrived, and I wondered if the weather might make this event a bust. But the trickle of attendees remained steady, and when Grace kicked off the event we had several organizations tabling and a solid turnout of about fifty people.

As I listened to each speaker step up and tell their stories, the rain and wind continued to pick up. By the time I was up to speak, I was shivering. But seeing such a determined group of people refuse to give up and make sure their message was heard, brought me some warmth. Nothing embodies the meaning of “Our Power, Our Planet,” better than Grace and her collaborators who I stood with on that rainy Sunday afternoon.

Reflecting on the rally she organized, Grace said, “In order to make change, we need to remember the beginning of Earth Day and the legacy it created.” She continued, “I’m grateful to have been in a position to mobilize our community. This work needs to continue and it will. Earth Day is important and we need to keep protecting and advocating for our Earth on that day and all year round.”

Grace graduates from University of Utah this year, but I have no doubt that her actions have helped bolster the environmental movement in Utah and that this is just the beginning for her. Just like Grace, you don’t have to wait for someone to ask you to get involved. If you’re ready to take action, visit EARTHDAY.ORG to learn how to organize an event, a cleanup, or a community meeting.

The post Salt Lake City Exercises their Power to Protect their Planet 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.

Rebecca Edler is the Sustainability Coordinator for the institute and has served as interim director twice. She has worked at the College for 16 years,  spending 11 with the Institute. This is where her journey with renewable energy started, while serving as Interim Director, when a faculty member won a grant to install solar panels on their trades building. 

Rebecca saw the opportunities solar presented and took action.

She got to work with an Americorps Vista worker, Emma Ardington, to apply for a grant to install solar panels on their library. According to Rebecca, the application was strengthened by the detailed numbers they had collected from a recent greenhouse gas inventory.  They won the grant. 

“I have to be completely honest here, I do not have a solar background. But I was tasked with overseeing this project.” Rebecca Edler

As her efforts to increase solar energy on campus were taking off, Menominee Nation leaders were looking for new ways to protect tribal sovereignty. 

To do this, they partnered with Indigenized Energy, a non-profit capacity-building organization focused on expanding renewable energy production for Native Tribes. “It was almost like it was meant to be,” said Rebecca. Because of their recent solar installations, Rebecca and others from the institute participated in the meetings. It didn’t take long for the institute to take a leading role in this tribal effort. 

With the help of Cody Two Bears and David Riley at Indigenized Energy, Rebecca applied for and won a grant to install a 40 kW grid at the institute. The Menominee tribe tasked the institute to organize workshops to teach community members how to work with and install solar panels. “It was sort of like the perfect storm–  in a good way. We had the tribe, we had the college, and we had Indigenized Energy,” said Rebecca. 

The workshops were intended to welcome 15-20 participants, but well over 50 signed up. So the institute expanded the program. According to Rebecca, the workshops were, “hands-on learning at its best.” 

 “It was not simply installing a grid, it was also thinking about our workforce development. Thinking about equipping tribal members or community members with the skills, the knowledge, the qualifications, that are needed to succeed in this industry.” Rebecca Edler

Rebecca watched as her community came together to pursue sustainability and sovereignty, “One of my greatest memories is when I was sitting at my desk, and I could look out, it was raining out, and there were women, there were grandmothers out there. They had their hardhats on, they had their goggles on, they had their tools in their hands, and they were carrying those solar panels from the pile and they were getting them up on the grid and installing them.” 

Rebecca was inspired by her neighbors, of all ages, genders, and walks of life, who saw opportunity in renewable energy, “To me it showed the dedication, the desire, and the support of the community to move in this direction of clean energy.”

A Sustainability Manager With A Passion for Solar

When you meet Pat Snowden, it doesn’t take long to learn he is a go-getter. His can-do attitude is infectious and he’s dedicated to his work. Something else you’ll learn about Pat is that he has a passion for solar energy.

Pat Snowden serves as the Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager for Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. Everett is a public community college serving over 16,000 students. 

Since 2013, Pat has been managing a 19.2kW solar array and according to Pat this solar array has paid off, “Even in our climate, which is notoriously cloudy and at a high northern latitude, we generate roughly 21,000 kWh of electricity annually.”

But Pat’s journey with solar energy didn’t start at Everett. Pat had already graduated from University of Washington-Bothell with a bachelor’s degree and some certificates in solar system design. But he needed to build his skills with Computer-Aided Design, better known as CAD. So, like millions of Americans, he enrolled at his local community college to earn an Associate of Technical Arts degree focused on CAD.

As a student, Pat joined Everett’s student newspaper, The Clipper. His role at the Clipper allowed him to interview the previous sustainability lead for Everett’s facilities team. That interview left a strong impression on him. “That led me to apply to the Facilities Department when a position became available and then I just never left,” said Pat.

Now over a decade later, Pat is upping the ante on solar energy. Everett recently submitted for a grant to install a 100kW solar array on one of their buildings. To Pat, investing in solar is a no-brainer.

“Aside from the educational aspects for students, I think we can offset our energy use with these systems.” Pat went on to say, “I think solar panels are a great long-term investment because they last for so long and can replace many other types of generation.” Pat Snowden

After this grant, Pat doesn’t plan to slow down, “My goal is to install a megawatt of solar panels on campus before I retire.” Pat sees huge opportunity in solar for Everett and higher education as a whole, “I think it has a lot of potential in many ways, including as an educational tool, increased research opportunities, and good paying jobs that help the economy overall.” 

Pat added, “There have been a lot of advances in the last few years in the renewable energy field, and a lot of this has been driven by research at educational institutions.”

Pat see’s his work on renewable energy at Everett helping lead the country to a stronger economy, energy independence, and clean environment, “Even with the climate change and greenhouse-gas emissions aside, this is a looming national security issue that needs to be addressed.” 

And Pat’s passion for renewable energy goes even deeper than that, “I am a solar nerd and am excited about trying to get more solar and renewable energy projects done on the campus. However, my favorite part of my job is talking to students & staff about solar and renewable systems.” Pat continued, “There are a lot of really smart, passionate young people out there and I love seeing them get excited about this stuff. It gives me hope for the future.”

This April, join Rebecca and Pat in observing Earth Day on your campus or in your community. If you already have an Earth Day event planned, share it with your community by registering it on the Global Earth Day Map. If you are looking for a way to observe Earth Day in your community, you can find events near you on the same Global Earth Day Map! And be sure to follow the great work campuses are doing across the globe on the Earth Day Campus Coalition Instagram page!

The post The Unsung Architects of Our Green Future: Meet the College Sustainability Managers Leading the Charge appeared first on Earth Day.

If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that students have power, and they aren’t afraid to use it.

From the Vietnam War to gun safety to the latest protests in Hong Kong, student activism have played a crucial role in some of the largest social movements. Even Earth Day — the world’s largest civic observance — was started by rabble-rousing college kids with a passion for the planet. 

That’s right, 50 years before the rise of Greta Thunberg, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin noticed the growing influence of students in the anti-war movement. Wanting to harness this same energy for the Earth, Nelson recruited recent graduate Denis Hayes to mobilize campuses across the U.S. 

The rest, as you know, is history. On April 22, 1970, 1,500 campuses and 20 million people proved that the status quo doesn’t stand a chance against mass mobilization.

But the work is far from over. Fortunately, we’ve recently seen a resurgence of student environmental activism in grassroots organizations like Extinction Rebellion, Sunrise Movement and Zero Hour. And these young organizers are learning from the organizers and movements that came before them. 

Below are 7 times students raised hell for Mother Earth. 

1. Santa Barbara Oil Spill, 1969

When 3 million gallons of oil leaked off the coast of Santa Barbara, students at the University of Southern California and University of California, Santa Barbara, took matters into their own hands. After learning the spill killed over 9,000 birds and coated miles of coastlines in black muck, students formed some of the country’s first environmental organizations and initiated (peaceful) climate protests. 

An “ecological shot heard around the world,” the Santa Barbara oil spill triggered the first wave of direct environmental action in the U.S. — including Senator Nelson’s early inklings for Earth Day. 

2. The First Earth Day, 1970

As mentioned, more than 1,500 college campuses participated in the first Earth Day. Amassing 50,000 participants over a five-day “teach-in,” University of Michigan in Ann Arbor attracted the greatest turnout. 

University of Michigan was an ideal setting for this first Earth Day, having hosted strong protests to the Vietnam war, specifically in opposition to chemical warfare that harmed both the people and environment of Vietnam. This anti-war sentiment paved a clear path to environmentalism, a transition echoed on many campuses participating in Earth Day across the U.S. 

Organized largely by new student organization Environmental Action (ENACT), the teach-in at the University of Michigan consisted of more than 125 speeches, workshops, concerts and forums. 

The success of this student organizing, attracting international media coverage, was attributed to the deliberate efforts to make the event as inclusive as possible — tying into issues of the war, of course, but also topics such as women’s rights, racial equality and social justice.

3. Battle of Seattle, 1999

The protests against the World Trade Organization in Seattle saw a different take on environmental justice: fighting globalism and protecting developing countries. Upwards of 70,000 protestors, many of which were students, successfully shut down the much-anticipated WTO meeting in what was dubbed a “street party.” This “party” showcased the environmental and economic injustices stemming from global trade and mass globalization.

Even without social media, the Seattle protest tactics — costumes, floats, direct action, blocking intersections — quickly went viral and spread to protests around the world. It was an important lesson on sharing tactics across movements and countries (and that activism can be fun, too).

4. Step it Up Middlebury, 2007

In 2007, Step It Up was the first “nationwide do-it-yourself mass protest” against global warming, according to American environmentalist and author Bill McKibben writing in Grist. This mid-2000 movement called on Congress to “step up” and reduce 80% of carbon emissions by 2050, a commitment that was urgently needed even then. 

Fueled by very little funding and a whole lot of hope, the Step It Up team consisted of founder McKibben and six students from Middlebury College in Vermont. Relying primarily on email and a basic webpage, the small team asked U.S. citizens if they would join. To their surprise, 1,400 communities — many without any organizing experience — heeded their call. 

With this mobilization, simplicity was key. Participants were asked to choose a location, make a banner and recruit others. There were no hashtags, no live streams and no memes (gasp!) — just a massive group of people coming together over one unifying mission: carbon reduction. 

5. Global Strikes, 2019

In September 2019, a record 7.6 million people mobilized across the world to demand immediate action on climate change. The global climate strike is student-driven at its core, starting with one Swedish teenager-turned-activist, Greta Thunberg. 

When Thunberg started protesting outside the Swedish parliament in 2018, she helped birth an international movement for climate action. 

Students from over 150 countries attended strikes around the world in September. Groups such as Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion were key to this scale, the former organizing and maintaining student strikes every Friday.  

A notable strike within the university community was led by the UK Student Climate Network in Oxford, England, drawing over 10,000 participants. Working with their schools’ administrators to secure excused absences for the strikes, students weren’t going to let anything or anyone stand in their way. 

6. Harvard-Yale Football Game, 2019

After the global climate strike in September, 300 students from both Harvard and Yale kept the momentum going. Adding a new dimension to storming the field, students from both universities delayed the rivalry football game for nearly 30 minutes at halftime. 

A large banner carried by a few brave students read: “Nobody Wins: Yale & Harvard are Complicit in Climate Injustice.” Their demand? University divestment in the fossil fuel industry. 

Students felt that universities cannot encourage their students to improve the world while also contributing to the industries spurring the destruction of our planet. Ryan Dougherty, a member of the Endowment Justice Coalition at Yale, echoed this sentiment in a text message conversation with Earth Day Network. 

“Students who attend universities like Yale and Harvard will not face the brunt of the injustices that are to come as climate change evolves into something more visibility catastrophic,” he said.

Dougherty and his peers recognize the privilege their situation offers, and understand many don’t have this type of protection. They therefore feel a duty to fight for those who aren’t as inherently separated from climate injustice.

Although neither school has heeded to the divestment demands, the Cambridge City Council did pass a resolution supporting the students who were arrested. Maybe we’ll see more disruption of business (or football) as usual in 2020 from universities across the country. 

7. 50th anniversary of Earth Day, 2020

How will you be a part of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? 

The students of the first Earth Day fought oil spills, polluting factories, toxic dumps, pesticides and biodiversity loss. Today’s youth are fighting a lot of the same issues, but the urgency is far, far greater. 

“My hope is that this time through, it’s not gonna be a matter of shifting priorities but rather a firm bedrock commitment across all these different interest groups to radically and abruptly change the way the world operates,” said Denis Hayes, the organizer of the first Earth Day, in an interview with Earth Day 50 Years.  

College students, this day was made for you. How are you, at your universities, going to show up? You have the power to ignite change on your campus — and worldwide. 

Earth Day Network wants every university participating in an EARTHRISE direct action event on April 22nd, 2020. Our MobilizeU campaign has the resources to help you get started and to help you amplify your impact. It’s easy. Just sign up as a MobilizeU Ambassador and you can bring the global Earth Day movement to your campus. 

And for everyone else: How are you going to support the youth this April and every other month? 2020 must be the year we see sweeping and radical change across the world to stop the destruction of our planet. Earth Day 2020, the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, is the quintessential moment to harness our global enthusiasm for action and the promise of a livable, sustainable future. 

The post 7 student protests that made history appeared first on Earth Day.

More than 45,000 12-to-17-year old scouts gathered at the World Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia this week. Three scout organizations — the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México — coordinated the event under the theme “Unlock a New World.”

“Unlock a New World” focuses on building new adventures, cultures and friendships. The theme incorporates conservation, outdoorsmanship, leadership development and global citizenship into its programming.

Earth Day Network representatives attended the jamboree to spread awareness about the environmental movement and provide resources to troop leaders and educators. The jamboree’s theme closely related the themes of Earth Day Network: The first Earth Day in 1970 was organized by a 25-year-old Denis Hayes and relied heavily on the enthusiasm of young people.

Young people will drive change, especially when facing the threat of climate change, said EDN Program and Communications Associate Cam Wejnert-Depue. Joining Earth Day Network was 2Cimple, a tech company that created a smartphone app called Nano that allowed scouts to map their environmental impact through recycling. While many scouts are not yet voting age, their open minds and willingness to work together will lead to a more optimistic future, one that demands global leadership and cooperation to solve humanity’s biggest threat.

One scout troop from Ireland exemplified its commitment to the environment through their individual theme of “Go Green” for the jamboree. At the campgrounds, the Irish contingent set up an interactive booth to educate scouts on pollinators. The tent featured stations to make bee hotels (reused plastic bottles filled with sticks) and flower bombs (mixtures of clay, soil, and flower seeds planted in grass).

“We just hope [everyone who comes to the booth] will go away with a tiny bit of knowledge, and if everyone goes away with a tiny bit of knowledge, then it turns into a whole bank of knowledge,” said one adult leader from the Irish troop.

The jamboree also featured a five-story structure, “Sustainability Treehouse,” to educate scouts on natural resources and their relationship with the environment. The structure is completely energy and water sustainable, featuring wind turbines, solar panels, a geothermal energy supply and a water purification system.

Said one adult leader, speaking to a younger generation of scouts: “It’s your planet. We are passing the custody and stewardship of that onto you… Educate others on how they can look after it so that we can carry on using it in future generations.”

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