It’s nearly impossible to have not seen the wave of climate change denial crashing down upon us all in recent years, from empowering political fodder to driving social media campaigns designed to spread untruths. Yet this anti-environmental rhetoric is nothing new, which means we can’t lose sight of historical strategies for overcoming challenges to protecting our planet. 

The social movement of anti-environmentalism became prominent in the early 1970s, likely in response to the growth in environmental activism spurred by the first Earth Day. It is worth remembering that much of the pro-environmental legislation that followed that first Earth Day was signed by a Republican president, Nixon. But as environmental regulation grew, certain industries like farming and mining, made up of large and powerful organizations from Exxon USA to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power — many of which owned vast tracts of US land for extraction in their respective industries — began to push back. 

In the 1980s, the Wise Use Movement, founded by former Sierra Club member Ron Arnold,  grew out of these industry groups who sought to fight back against environmentalists, sometimes with threats of violence. The movement was based on the idea that the privatization of land for the exploitation of natural resources was acceptable. Though Wise Use groups were present around the country, they were not alone; there were also many other salient groups that pushed anti-environmentalism rhetoric.

This seemingly fringe movement grew throughout the 1990s, when the power of public relations became an important part of the politicization of the environment. One such group was Informed Citizens for the Environment, funded by the Western Fuels Association and other energy corporations that ran ads with a slew of anti-environmental slogans such as “Who told you the Earth was warming, Chicken Little?” and “Doomsday is canceled.”  

Despite these campaigns, the 1997 passage of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets specific goals for reducing carbon emissions, sprouted out of real concerns over global warming. Though the agreement was largely ineffective as the US did not officially sign the pact, it did legitimize the idea that something was going on with the climate, which is perhaps why after this treaty, there was a clear political effort to associate environmentalism with the liberal agenda. So while environmentalism in the 1970’s had been supported by both sides of the political debate, suddenly it was being painted as part of a left wing agenda. Attempts were made by politicians involved in the Reagan administration both to question the constitutionality of the Environmental Protection Agency as well as to cut its budget by half, though these efforts did not succeed. 

This history of the politicization of environmental activism has spurred today’s conservative alignment with anti-environmentalist ideas, pairing capitalism with the exploitation of the environment and portraying liberal environmentalists as conspiracy theorists, determined to put pandas before people. The effects of the politicization of this issue and how well it has worked are laid bare in a 2022 Gallup poll, which shows that 9% of Republicans say they worry a great deal about climate change, while roughly 70% of Democrats report the same feeling. 

Beyond manipulating public opinion so that it has become political as opposed to pragmatic, there has also been an increase in the amount of money spent on lobbying for the Climate Change Counter Movement (CCCM). This term describes the joining together of different business sectors to lobby against environmental policy, usually because it goes against their economic priorities. Donations to CCCM political actions committees grew from 1990-2010, coinciding with proposals that would increase environmental policy measures such as the Clean Air Act, likely being pushed forward by the wave of societal pressure coming from the first global Earth Day. 

Despite political opposition, this issue is not new, which means we know how to combat it. One of the best ways is to educate people early on about the importance of a variety of environmental actions, from planting trees to decreasing plastic use.  

A 2020 study by researchers at San José University showed that if 16 percent of middle and high school students in middle and high income countries studied climate change, carbon dioxide emissions would be lowered by 19 gigatons by 2050. 

Plus by establishing climate literacy early on, we can build Green Muscle Memory, which is a term that describes the instinctive ability to make planet-friendly choices by default.  EARTHDAY.ORG recently released a report, Climate Education vs. The Climate Crisis, which outlines how teaching climate education across different grades and content areas enables children to instinctively make the right decisions for the planet — be it using less energy, rejecting plastics, or living more sustainably in general. 

EARTHDAY.ORG has developed K-12 curricular materials to engage the young people who are inheriting our planet at a pivotal point in its, and our, future. Through early learning, we can help empower the next generation so they are armed with facts and reality: not PR and subjective opinion.

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It appears that baby fever is all around us, from ads for a never ending supply chain of new infant products on television, to the rise of mommy vloggers on social media, to a seemingly obsessive array of articles on how to raise a baby Einstein. What we probably do not see on our timelines is that infertility is a real and growing issue which affects approximately 1 in every 6 couples who hope to conceive. In fact, the worldwide fertility rate has been decreasing at a rate of nearly 1% per year from 1960 through 2018. 

Recent studies have revealed a hidden and often tiny villain behind this infertility crisis: plastics. Specifically, micro and nanoplastics, which range from a little larger than a sesame seed to the size of a virus in your body. These plastic particles alone are not the only issue, as their toxicity is amplified by the hormone disrupting chemical additives, such as phthalates or bisphenol A (BPAs), which leach out of them. 

It Starts with Sperm

For men, common causes of infertility are connected to decreased sperm counts and lowered sperm viability. A recent study showed evidence that microplastic exposure decreased survival and DNA integrity of sperm, ultimately leading to issues with fertility and egg fertilization. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA fragmentation were observed after merely 30 minutes of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. By creating issues with energy production and genetic material in these ways, sperm can ultimately be rendered unable to survive after exposure to plastics.  

The major real-world consequences from these plastics are fast approaching, and may already be here. Some countries including Japan and Korea are nearing, on average, the minimum amount of microplastics in our bodies to cause major consequences for fertility. Even for regions that aren’t yet approaching that number, contaminants and additives in plastics can still change chemical properties that may make plastics more harmful. 

How Plastics are Harming Female Reproduction at Every Level

Women with fertility issues definitely aren’t strangers to the consequences of plastics, either. Common causes of female infertility include early onset menopause, ovarian aging and issues with egg production. Though more studies are needed on human subjects, mice studies show evidence that microplastic exposure leads to a decreased survival rate of oocytes, which are precursors to eggs. 

Research has shown that plastic particles can permeate protective barriers in our bodies, such as the placenta, during pregnancy. In fact, microplastics have been detected in both the human and fetal sides of the placenta, showing how plastics may not only harm fertility but may also create risks during pregnancy even after fertilization of the egg. One recent study found microplastics present in 100% of human placentas tested. 

Even After Conception, We Aren’t Out of The Woods

In multiple studies chemical additives called phthalates, often referred to as plasticizers as they make plastics flexible, and commonly found in things as wide ranging as from cosmetics to shower curtains, have been linked to hormone disruption. Disruption of key hormones can cause a host of fertility issues, including miscarriage, which affects 1 in 8 pregnancies. In one Harvard study, women with the highest concentrations of phthalates in their urine were 60% more likely to miscarry in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy than those with the lowest concentrations. 

Phthalates are not the only harmful additive chemicals. As stated in EARTHDAY.ORG’s BABIES VS. PLASTICS report, Bisphenol – A, (BPA) has also been linked to miscarriages. One shocking study revealed that women with the highest levels of this chemical in their blood were 83% more likely to miscarry in the first trimester than those with the lowest levels. These increased rates of miscarriage are due to both direct harm to fetal development via egg injury as well as indirect harm through penetration of the placental barrier. 

What Can We Do?

Despite these grim statistics, hope isn’t lost. There are many ways to decrease our exposure to harmful micro- and nanoplastics, as well as the common additives that amplify their effects. Phthalates are typically found in items like cosmetics and hair care products, so pay special attention to the ingredient lists on these products and avoid anything with phthalates in them and over all try to use less products.

To avoid BPA, which is commonly found in plastic bottles, it is recommended to avoid plastic bottles in favor of glass or stainless steel bottles. It is important to be aware of BPA-free labels, though, as some contain replacement chemicals that are just as harmful as BPA.

Avoid wearing fast fashion, as these garments are comprised of synthetic textiles made from plastics like nylon and polyester. Vacuum as much as you can, as microplastics make up a fair percentage of house dust – so it is important to sequester them to stop them from being inhaled. Avoid food wrapped in plastics, and NEVER eat food cooked in the microwave inside plastic containers, even if it says they are microwave safe! They leach plastic chemicals into your food, and then into you.

Though small amounts of microplastics may not cause major issues, we cannot be 100% sure of that. Still, making small changes in the products we use can add up to big differences in the amount of plastics we are involuntarily ingesting and inhaling, and therefore potentially fertility as well. This is why Earth Day 2024’s theme is Planet v. Plastics. If we can reduce our exposure to plastic, we can work toward saving our families as well as our planet. To learn more about this goal and how to take action, join the movement and sign the Global Plastics Treaty Petition.

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On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans banded together to emphatically tell their government the time had come to prioritize the environment. This one day was the culmination of weeks of impassioned work by the Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, and graduate-student Denis Hayes, who Nelson had turned to for help in making it happen. Both of them were inspired to act after witnessing a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara in California. They chose April 22, as it sat comfortably between Spring Break and final after exams, giving them the best opportunity to see students support their efforts. 

The impact from the first Earth Day reverberated through the country and reached the doors of the nation’s highest powers both at the White House and on Capitol Hill. Only a few months later in July of the same year, the Environmental Protection Agency was established to regulate pollution in the nation.  In 1970, the existing Clean Air Act was updated to include much stronger regulation of ambient air quality and significantly strengthened federal enforcement authority. Two years later, the Clean Water Act was passed, helping to usher in a new era of environmental legislation.

Gradually, Earth Day coalesced into a movement with a few variations along the way, such as when Canada held its first Earth Day on Sept. 11. Yet by 1980, Earth Day was being marked in Washington. D.C. across from the White House. This location was highly appropriate since by then it had helped usher in a whole raft of additional US environmental legislation, including the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Superfund, Toxics Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

In 1990, Hayes helped to organize the first global Earth Day with over 140 countries and 200 million people participating in a series of ways. Though these seeds of change may have sprung up in different areas of the globe, the reverberations from this unified day continued to shape international efforts for environmental action. 

The 1992 Earth Summit brought together representatives from 179 nations, and the group produced two significant conventions: A Framework Convention on Climate Change and A Framework Convention on Biological Diversity. These were aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission as well as protecting and sustaining the world’s plant and animal biodiversity, respectively. 

At the same time as the summit, a global forum was held in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio Declarations that came out of the forum featured 27 principles for the unified promotion of sustainable environmental practices, including in situations of war. Also included was a clause ensuring a global partnership to move towards sustainable development. The sense that global governments needed to come together to work on legislation and agreements to create an international blueprint to protect the environment had taken hold. 

Individual nations were also agents of change. In 1991, Sweden created a historic carbon tax which remains a foundation of the nation’s environmental policies. Just a few years later in 1994, Costa Rica made an addendum to its constitution, adding the right to a healthy environment. These acts symbolized an important shift in how environmental concerns were framed  — they had, in effect, become human rights issues. 

The footprints of the very first Earth Day can still be seen globally. It ignited generational activism to support the environment, and today many different regions worldwide use Earth Day as a reminder of these shared goals. Though they may be celebrating in different ways, what unites them is this very special day. In Granada, Spain, the Global Unity and Regeneration Gathering highlights the importance of a mental and spiritual connection with the Earth. In Japan, the two-day celebration at Yoyogi Park has become a time of giving thanks filled with performers and conversation. Though different, these celebrations both echo the impact that Earth Day has had on our mindset surrounding environmental activism. 

This shift has led to incredible environmental achievements globally, such as Brazil’s reduction of Amazon Rainforest deforestation. After declaring in 2005 that the nation would strive to reduce deforestation by 80% by 2020, Brazil was able to decrease the rate by 67% in only five years. If they can prioritize changes that yield such significant results, what else can we do?

With Earth Day 2024 quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to reassert our commitment to prioritizing environmental sustainability. In a 2020 interview with EARTHDAY.ORG, Denis Hayes, he emphasized the dual importance of both new policies and new perspective in bringing forth changes after the first Earth Day. 

“In the 1960s, the most common perception of pollution was that it’s the smell of progress, the smell of prosperity,” Hayes said. “And we were able to create a context in which people began to change their behavior… for environmental reasons.”

Earth Day 2024’s Theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with the demand that we reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040. If we choose to prioritize this goal, we could make it reality, because half of ALL the plastic produced annually is single use plastic. We use it once and throw it away so that it creates plastic graveyards in our landfills and our oceans. Can we embrace the spirit of the very first Earth Day once more, from 54 years ago, and collectively decide that is not acceptable? Make a difference this Earth Day — sign the Global Plastics Treaty, stop using single-use plastic, demand that retailers and the fast food industry listen to you and whatever you do — DON’T GIVE UP!

The post How Earth Day Went Global, and How We Can Use it To Save Our Earth appeared first on Earth Day.

Armenia is an ancient country which lies just beneath the sprawling Caucasus Mountains, celebrated for its scenery, its wonderful hospitality, its deep Christian roots and its biodiversity. Yet, over time, the country’s bioresources have been gradually depleted, and it was named as one of Conservation International’s 25 most endangered regions. Armenia is used to dealing with crises, and, in the midst of this one, many groups of citizens stepped up to start restoring their country’s environment. These efforts have been largely led by the impressive work of Armenia Tree Project. 

Armenia Tree Project (ATP) was founded in 1994 by Carolyn Mugar, who witnessed firsthand many families burning trees out of an urgent need to heat their homes. The organization began its efforts by holding tree plantings and establishing tree nurseries in the refugee villages of Karin and Kachpar.  A staggering 8 million trees have been planted by the organization and their tree nursery; communities since its founding. 

The choice to begin nurseries in these villages highlights the continued effort by Armenia Tree Project to help increase job opportunities and stimulate the economy in a country, which has faced historical, political and economic turmoil, dating all the way back to WW1 through to the modern 2018 Velvet Revolution and the 2020 pandemic. Yet in 2023 alone, 470 job opportunities were created by ATP across ten villages, further emphasizing the inextricable link between the environment, the economy and social change. It’s truly an organic movement that has inspired local communities to be a part of the solution, generating a sense of pride in making a real difference while also creating jobs in the process.

Along with tree planting efforts, ATP has continued to reach out to the broader community through mobilizing a new generation. In 2004, ATP created an environmental curriculum for programs that were integrated into schools and printed in manuals throughout the country. In 2023 alone, the program reached over 11,000 students at 198 institutions, further amplifying the program and the future of environmental change.

The outreach into the community did not stop in the classroom. ATP’s Backyard Nursery Program equips families with the resources and education needed to grow seedlings on their own land. The families are able to earn extra income through this program, as Armenia Tree Project buys back the trees when they are large enough to be replanted. 

Following military offensives in Artsakh in 2023, ATP extended its social aid programs to help displaced families forced to flee due to the invasion. Their Resilient Roots initiative is currently providing need-based aid to 310 individuals, including essentials, such as food and clothing, along with long-term tools on how to start small businesses and achieve economic security. To further restore agency to these families and help with sustainable food sourcing, ATP hopes to rebuild greenhouses in the backyards of these families’ new homes. 

The intentionality of ATP in social and environmental aid for Armenia has inspired other movements across the country. The government has committed to a goal of doubling its tree coverage by 2050, and other organizations such as Maqoor have sprung up in the region.

Maqoor, was started in 2023 by 19-year-old Hrachya Sahakyan, and has already mobilized 100 countries in its infancy. In order to further expand its efforts and amplify its impact, Maqoor has partnered with EARTHDAY.ORG to organize over 10 cleanups on April 20 in celebration of the 5 year anniversary of The Great Global Cleanup.

In alignment with the efforts of Armenia Tree Project, EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project has worked to plant tens of millions of trees on every continent besides Antarctica by working with global partners in reforestation. By taking into account biodiversity and building community relationships, The Canopy Project aims to create long term systems of reforestation that can be continued and stewarded by community members.

With staggering statistics such as a global rate of deforestation of nearly 25 million acres of land per year, it is clear that there is no more urgent time to act than now. Your world needs you. To get involved, JOIN THE MOVEMENT.  Plant trees!

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