Act on Climate Change Archives | Earth Day Join the worlds largest environmental movement Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:10:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://www.earthday.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-150x150.png Act on Climate Change Archives | Earth Day 32 32 Campus Coalition https://www.earthday.org/campaign/campus-coalition/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:05:57 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=89897 Join the Earth Day Campus Coalition this year for Earth Action Day! College campuses across the world are uniting to facilitate forums bringing together decision makers and the people they serve to discuss local environmental issues and the need for renewable energy. Learn more about how to organize an Earth Action Day forum on your […]

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Join the Earth Day Campus Coalition this year for Earth Action Day! College campuses across the world are uniting to facilitate forums bringing together decision makers and the people they serve to discuss local environmental issues and the need for renewable energy.

Learn more about how to organize an Earth Action Day forum on your campus below, and learn how faculty can bring the Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet” into the classroom as a part of the #MakeClimateAClass campaign.

If you are a student outside of the United States, please read about our Global Fellowship, recruiting students from across the world to organize Earth Action Day events on their campus.

Earth Action Day One-Pager

Schedule a zoom call with us

Organizing Tools

#MakeClimateAClass One-Pager

Earth Day Campus Coalition Global Fellowship

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Campaign for Communities https://www.earthday.org/campaign/campaignforcommunities/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 22:17:44 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=38621 Two decades of partnerships to diversify and activate the environmental movement through the voting process.

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Mobilizing environmental justice voters through the CAMPAIGN FOR COMMUNITIES


For two decades, Earth Day Network (EDN), Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project (SVREP), and other coalition organizations have partnered to diversify and activate the environmental movement through the voting process and via year-round environmental justice projects.

As partners, we have registered more than 1.5 million voters and turned out 2.9 million voters, helping pass environmental/health voter initiatives and solving high visibility local environmental problems.

Campaign for Communities’ partners focus primarily on the under-represented: low income, people of color, and youth. In addition to educating and mobilizing communities, each of our major partners also works to train and promote new community leaders. We often work directly with our community-based partners on leadership training at the local level and organizing around local community development issues.

While we build long-term community infrastructure, we educate, train, and register voters. Our goal is to make sure that people who would not otherwise vote are registered and mobilized – to help traditionally underrepresented voting constituencies participate.

This year, EDN and SVREP will register and turnout voters in several key states (AZ, CO, FL, GA, MI, NC, PA, TX, and WI). We target college-age voters, faith voters, women voters, and young, Latinx voters for the general elections in 2020. EDN and SVREP’s primary focus and objective is to target those who are unregistered and who will be voting for the first time in a presidential election as well as mobilizing existing registrants from these same demographics. Campaign For Communities’ plans of action includes 4 major elements:

  1. Community-based voter registration;
  2. Educational-institution-focused voter registration;
  3. A robust vote by mail and early voting program; and
  4. Digital media and communications activations that will support and expand these activities and those of other organizations

20 years of working together, turning out voices

EDN and SVREP have worked together for close to 20 years to register, educate and turnout voters. In 2003, EDN, SVREP, the NAACP, and other Latino and African American organizations created Campaign for Communities, a non-partisan coalition focused on education, registering and turning out a new universe of environmental voters with the overall goals of building a more diverse environmental community, one that connects civic engagement with issues of equity, health, the economy and the environment. Since then, we have helped to register more than 1.5 million voters and turned out 2.7 million voters. We also have worked together for close to two decades on dozens of community environmental issues ranging from environmental/health voter initiatives to solving local environmental problems.

Each partner brings unique and valuable skills and abilities to this campaign. SVREP’s long history of registering and mobilizing the Latino voters gives it credibility and standing among communities and community leaders. SVREP is the largest civic engagement nonpartisan organization in the United States focused on registering and mobilizing the Latinx vote. Founded in 1974 and based in San Antonio and Los Angeles, SVREP has registered 2.7 million Latinos, trained more than 150,000 Latino elected and civic leaders, and won 210 voting rights lawsuits.

EDN enjoys the same credibility with local communities. For the past 50 years, EDN has worked in 10s of thousands of communities on Earth Day and year round campaigns, and particularly over the last four years, EDN has built a nationwide U.S. community and college infrastructure in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 2020 national elections.

Together we are using our long history, credibility, and deep and broad infrastructure to register and turnout very targeted voters around a broad set of climate, environment, and health issues for the November election.

Visit Earth Day Network’s VOTE EARTH for more information on voting early, election dates, and other ways you can get involved and be heard.

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Artists for the Earth https://www.earthday.org/campaign/artists-for-the-earth/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 23:44:25 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=1127 Art can educate, motivate and inspire action to protect the Earth.

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Earth Day’s 2026 theme, our 56th anniversary year,  is Our Power, Our Planet. As part of our outreach we are inviting museums to join our efforts in highlighting the issues of climate change by filming short videos, under 3 minutes, about one or more of the pieces or artworks in their galleries to form part of our Artists for the Earth campaign.

The deadline for film submission is March 28th. Guidelines:

  • The video can be 1 to 3 minutes. 
  • The works included can be in any medium You might pick a work that expresses nature’s wonder and beauty and ‘man in harmony with nature’ or nature as a ‘resource’, or our alienation or adoration of the natural world.
  • You might feature works that address climate change issues head on.
  • The film can be formatted in a myriad of ways: with a director or curator unpacking the piece, visitors saying why it connects them so viscerally, the film might be a voice-over led or even a montage of works. The choice is yours.
  • ABOUT ARTISTS FOR THE EARTH™

    Artists for the Earth® is a global campaign to connect with arts organizations and artists everywhere in order to engage the public with the critical issues of the environment. Art has the power to reach people personally, establishing a deeper understanding and emotional connection with what is happening to our planet.

    Artists for the Earth will display works of art centered on the environment, enlist educators to integrate arts programming about the environment into their curricula, leverage social media to expand its reach, and generate a global conversation about climate change.

    By supporting the community that art creates, Artists for the Earth will help build consensus, the will to effect change and the inspiration to act to protect the Earth.

    WHAT YOU CAN DO

    - Sign up to be an Artist for the Earth
    - Invite artists engaged with the environment to your school, township, house of worship or business to exhibit their work or teach a workshop.
    - Create a short film about Earth Day or the environment.
    - Locate a building through the City or Parks Department, enlist artists and the public to paint a mural that inspires hope for a green future.
    - If you are a community leader, sponsor a concert in your area with any proceeds donated to local environmental concerns.
    - If you are a teacher or administrator in a school, read about the Middle Schoolers Guide to Renewable Energy
    - Participate in the Great Global Cleanup™ and create a trash to art workshop.
    - Practice sustainability in your artwork.
    - See Learning Through Art for more suggestions

    GALLERY

    CATEGORIES

    Latest News About Artists For The Earth

    YOU CAN BE AN ARTIST FOR THE EARTH

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    Act on Climate Change https://www.earthday.org/campaign/act-on-climate-change/ Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:56:33 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=1091 Take your climate action to the next level.

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    How to Act on Climate Change:

    A User’s Guide

    Take your climate action to the next level.

    The scientific evidence is clear and irrefutable — human activity is causing our planet to warm at an alarming rate. International bodies of scientists have warned that we have just over a decade to halve our emissions to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change on our food supply, national security, global health, extreme weather, and more.

    There is simply no time to waste. We need urgent and ambitious action at every level, from heads of state submitting increased national commitments to the Paris Agreement on climate change and cities walking the talk, to private sector leaders addressing climate change at every step of the supply chain, finance heads committing to divest from fossil fuels and green their investments and individual citizens using their unique influence to drive change and make an impact.

    Everyone has the ability to do something to address our climate challenge, but we can all still do more. What will you do?

    What you can do about climate changE

    Get informed.
    Knowledge is power – learn more about the science behind our climate challenge and the responsibility that all sectors hold in addressing the issue. Add your voice to the issues that are shaping the climate debate as well as emerging, evidence-based data that directly relates to changes in our climate.

    Hold yourself accountable.
    Take a personal inventory of your own personal impact on the planet – remember, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it! Click here to calculate your carbon footprint – it may surprise you. Consider offsetting carbon emissions by investing in clean and renewable energy projects around the world that support local communities, drive sustainable development, and protect our planet.

    Unplug.
    Can you use energy more efficiently at home? Unplug items when they aren’t in use, buy goods with high energy-efficient standards, and consider making the switch to renewable energy. All of these can help to help reduce your personal impact. Record your Acts of Green here.

    Actions Taken to Date:

    2,688,209,868

    Help make an impact —

    Take climate action today

    Travel smarter.
    Transportation is now the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. No matter where you live, travel by car or airplane contributes heavily to our shared carbon footprint. Take public transit, biking, or walking when possible – it’s good for your health, your wallet, and the planet.

    Climate action, one bite at a time.
    Your food’s carbon footprint, called its foodprint, is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, cooking, and disposing of the food we eat. Research has revealed the tremendous impact that the mass production of meat, dairy, and eggs has on our planet.

    Additionally, food waste is an enormous ‘hidden’ contributor to climate change. In fact, if global food waste were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, behind China and the U.S. The carbon footprint of this wasted food is about 3.3 billion tons of CO2. Luckily, there has never been a better time to join efforts to reduce our carbon footprint through food choices. Enjoy more plant-based meals, reduce your food waste altogether, and compost your food scraps. To learn more check out our Foodprints for the Future campaign. Bon appétit!

    Advocate for your school or company to serve plant-based meals

    Advocate for your school or company to serve plant-based meals

    Want to have a major positive impact on our planet? You can fight climate change…

    Take Action

    Shop smarter.
    Do you know where your dollar is going? Support companies driven by sustainability and committed to transparency throughout the supply chain. Your power as a consumer can be enormously impactful, so if you’re in the dark or unhappy with a company’s impact on the planet, make your voice known! Shop smarter with thoughtful purchasing to minimize waste, and consider reused and pre-loved items to take part in the circular economy and keep goods out from filling our already overflowing landfills.

    Vote Earth
    Consider climate issues on local, national and global levels – examine the climate and environmental platforms of your candidates, engage these candidates to understand their ambition, and, ultimately, vote at the ballot box for the candidates with clear, ambitious, and convincing plans to protect our planet.

    Organize.
    One person can make a difference, but together, we can make a movement. Consider the communities that you are a part of, whether its your neighborhood, your school or PTO, your company or organization, your faith institution or yoga group or football team. Collective action can have a major impact – and major influence – for change. Consider how you can gather support by mobilizing a larger group for action!

    Join The Great Global Cleanup™

    EARTHDAY.ORG is building the world’s largest cleanup crew!

    Sign up and Clean Up

    Invest and divest.
    If you are lucky enough to have investments or a pension, pledge to separate them from exposure to fossil fuel assets and increase your stake in clean energy companies. Join a movement of millions of individuals from dozens of countries representing trillions in assets who are avoiding the investment risks of climate change and lightening their carbon footprints. And it doesn’t stop at your individual portfolio – ask your university, your company, and your organization how they invest their money. Because when it comes to climate change, money talks.

    Show your support.
    Show your support for programs and organizations including community and citywide actions that are fighting climate change, and organizations working on the ground to make a difference. Ready to take action? Support our Conservation and Restoration work through The Canopy Project, which works to plant millions of trees to revitalize communities, drive economic growth and provide a powerful natural climate solution to slow global warming.

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    Faith Communities https://www.earthday.org/campaign/faith-outreach/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 02:37:25 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=820 The faith community integrates environmental issues into political, social and economic agendas.

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    For decades, Earth Day has been a platform for religious leaders and people of faith to mobilize around the protection our common home. Together with our global network of faith partners, EARTHDAY.ORG™ empowers individuals to advocate for the environment from a faith, moral, and justice perspective and to engage in personal behavior change and civic action through our year-round programs and campaigns.

    We hope that you will find inspiration from our featured faith partners who used Earth Day 2020 to elevate climate action as a political, social, and economic priority worldwide.

    Pope Francis calls for action and unity

    A month after the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Catholics across the globe participated in Laudato Si’ Week, May 16-23, commemorating the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical.

    Whether you identify as a person of faith or not, Pope Francis reminds each of us that we have the opportunity to build a better world through acts small and large.  Chapter 6 of the encyclical, “Ecological Education and Spirituality”, states, “Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world.”

    Washington National Cathedral’s Multi-Faith Earth Day Service

    On Sunday, April 19th, the Washington National Cathedral and Greater Washington Area Interfaith Power and Light hosted a Multi-Faith Earth Day Service. We invite you to take a look here.  

    FAITH CALL TO CLIMATE JUSTICE WEB SUMMIT

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    Vote Earth https://www.earthday.org/campaign/vote-earth/ Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:35:47 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=783 Use your voting power to protect our environment.

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    This page is a partnership between HeadCount and EARTHDAY.ORG. Information collected will be shared with both organizations.

    We face an environmental crisis that requires an urgent and transformative response. 

    By educating yourself about the issues, pledging to vote, registering to vote, voting early and recruiting friends and family, you can build a more sustainable, healthier and just world.

    It has never been more important to demand an end to business as usual. Exercise your civic duty.

    Vote Earth.

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    Food for Thought: Your Diet and the Environment https://www.earthday.org/campaign/food-for-thought-your-diet-and-the-environment/ Sun, 24 Nov 2019 21:01:11 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/?post_type=dbt_campaign&p=716 The post Food for Thought: Your Diet and the Environment appeared first on Earth Day.

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    Learning with Food, Delicious!

    Educators everywhere can attest, if a lesson or activity involves snacks, students perk up with excitement. We rely on food to keep our bodies and minds strong and healthy, but not everyone understands where our food comes from. Earth Day Network’s Foodprints for the Future Campaign educates students around the world on where our food comes from and the impacts our food system has on the environment and vulnerable communities.

    The environmental and social impacts of the food system are multifaceted. When you combine the emissions from food waste, livestock, deforestation and transportation, the global food system is responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. Not only are the emissions fueling climate change, but the system disproportionately neglects low-income communities and developing countries.

    As awareness of impacts increases, so does the variety of alternative diet options. Food presents a great opportunity to engage students in important conversations about climate change and environmental justice. Teaching students about the impacts of our food system helps them make more informed choices about their health and the planet’s health.

    Get Involved

    • Feel free to use any of these ideas in your classrooms, as fundraisers to donate to a local conservation group or to raise money for a new green improvement to your school or organization: Host a Teach-In on the environmental impacts of our food system.
    • Host a plant-based cooking class or workshop.
    • Install composting receptacles on site for food waste from the cafeteria.
    • Have students create a public awareness campaign, design posters or commercials for the morning announcements.
    • Coordinate a school-wide assembly on the topic where students can write and perform skits or educational messaging.
    • Plant a vegetable garden to use for lessons and snacking!
    • Implement Meatless Mondays.
    • Offer more plant-based meal options.
    • Host a cook-off.
    • Teach a healthy eating unit in physical education or health classes.

    Additional resources

    Check out our online Foodprints for the Future Resources and stay tuned for our 2020 Toolkits!

    Resources

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    Earth Action Day https://www.earthday.org/campaign/earth-action-day/ Thu, 05 Sep 2019 16:53:48 +0000 https://www.earthday.org/campaigns/nemo-exercitationem-optio-dignissimos-quis/ Cities are uniquely positioned to directly respond to community needs and bring people together.

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    We are inviting mayors, local governments, & their communities to pull together to back renewable energy

    Participation can be as simple as sharing a short statement on environmental successes in your community and actions you plan on taking between now and next Earth Day.

    Local Leaders & Communities Working Together to Make the Difference

    Local leaders in towns and cities worldwide have the greatest capacity to impact the economic well-being of their constituents, and at the same time protect the quality of the air, water and environment immediately around them.  They are uniquely positioned to directly respond to community needs and bring people together.

    EARTHDAY.ORG calls on local officials to join thousands of others towns and cities across the world who have prioritized sustainable economic growth, public health and combatting the effects of climate change by backing renewable energy and joining the Earth Action Day.

    The Earth Action Day is an opportunity for everyone to engage in a constructive dialogue about how renewable energy: solar, wind, geo-thermal, hydro and tidal, can benefit their community.  Be it providing new jobs, improving air quality, increasing city revenue - the Earth Action Day will provide a town hall-style forum for citizens, business leaders and government officials to come together to discuss their clean energy options.

    This is a major new Earth Day campaign and an integral part of the Earth Day, 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet,  with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

    Latest Commitment Statements

    A full list of statements can be found below in order of population size.

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    “The city is working towards transitioning its municipal buildings to 100% renewable energy, halving energy bills. The city of Rio de Janeiro is backing a cleaner future. By powering our municipal buildings with 100% renewable energy, we are making decisions that are not only good for the planet but also smart for the economy.” Mayor Eduardo Paes

    Nairobi, Kenya

    “A newly installed solar-powered cold room at a market in Nairobi, Kenya, is minimizing food waste, promoting renewable energy, and improving the livelihoods of market traders. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize Nairobi’s markets and improve food security for both traders and consumers in the coming year.” –Arthur Johnson, Governor of Nairobi

    Nashville, TN

    “Metro Nashville government is required to source all of its energy from renewable sources by 2041. Last year, we saw 15 percent come from renewable sources, and while we have a ways to go, we are chipping away and modeling sustainability. In the last year, we have invested another $10 million to add around four megawatts of capacity, and as we are implementing these improvements, they are simultaneously making us better environmental and fiscal stewards. Multiple efforts have us on pace to pass the 50 percent mark by 2027.” – Mayor Freddie O’Connell:

    Manhattan, NY

    “In the last year, we’ve seen some extraordinary wins for a more sustainable New York, including the expansion to universal composting and the implementation of congestion pricing, which is improving New York’s air quality. The passage of J51 will also help residential buildings comply with Local Law 97 and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In the upcoming year, we must work with the City Council to pass our package of legislation concerning indoor air quality, and we must increase New York’s capacity to recycle and reuse electronic and textile products. Of course, we’ll continue our Million More Trees campaign by planting more trees in historically underplanted neighborhoods in order to cool streets on hot days, absorb storm run-off, and improve air quality.” –Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President

    San Antonio, TX

    “The San Antonio Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council began in 2020 to foster and include the voices of youth in the execution of our City’s first Climate Action and Adaption Plan. Since then, the advocacy of the Council members have driven meaningful progress—from advancing renewable energy initiatives to engaging new and diverse communities in climate resilience. I hope our work serves as a bright example to other cities that when we prioritize youth voices, we create a healthier future for all.” – Mayor Ron Nirenberg

    Nice, France

    Planet theme for Earth Day 2025: the protection of Ocean and poles. Renewable energy from geothemal and Thalasso energy is in good position in our Metropolitan Area. we mobalize all actors (citizens, scientists, mayors, officials and governments to act for the ocean and Climate protection): https://anneedelamer.nice.fr/ 2026: the sponge city strategy and an adaptation plan towards living habitats is espected. “Adapting our territories and communities each day, with nature based solutions and bioregeneration, is the way liveable cities and districts must be build urgently. Community resilience has to be funded on human and biodiversity respect and peace. One Health, One Ocean, One Planet: Peace for Nature is the Future. – Felix Gravel Environement – Director – Nice Metropolitan Area

    Milwaukee County, WI

    “On April 14, 2025, Milwaukee County’s Office of Sustainability will present the Climate Action 2050 Plan to the Community, Environment, Economic Development (CEED) Committee, aiming for adoption before Earth Day celebrations. This comprehensive plan outlines a pathway for Milwaukee County to achieve net zero carbon operational emissions by 2050, emphasizing racial equity and resilience. Following the CEED Committee’s vote, a full Board vote is scheduled for April 24th. An Earth Week celebration and file signing event is planned for April 25th. The Office of Sustainability previously conducted a Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study in 2024, recommending 22 projects across 17 locations, including the future Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, set to open later in 2025 with a rooftop solar system. Additionally, beginning in March 2025, the Office will implement Sustainable Decision-Making (SDM) standards across various projects, focusing on energy efficiency, emissions control, and climate resilience. Committed to honoring the legacy of Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin, Milwaukee County is dedicated to impactful environmental actions.” – Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Milwaukee County 3rd District

    Leeds, United Kingdom

    “Leeds is proud to join, for the first time, hundreds of other international cities to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, 22nd April. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” resonates deeply with Leeds’ ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon emissions and promote renewable energy, as we strive to become the first net-zero city in the UK. A recent example of our commitment is Leeds successfully securing £20 million from the UK national government’s Warm Homes Plan. This funding will be used to deliver housing energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households and social housing tenants, ensuring that everyone benefits from our green initiatives. To mark Earth Day, the council will hold a special event at Pudsey Leisure Centre, our first fully decarbonised leisure centre. We will be joined by universities, schools, and community leaders to celebrate the successful projects across the city, driven by our communities, partners, and the council. Together, we are making a difference and leading the way towards a sustainable future.” – Cllr Rafique, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces

    Oklahoma City, OK

    “As Ward 2’s Councilor, I’m excited Oklahoma City voters approved MAPS4’s 2019 penny sales tax referendum—which includes $96.1 million investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and $97 million improving OKC’s public transit system, because these improvements will contribute to a more sustainable way of life for our city and its people. We have much work ahead of us, but big things have small beginnings.” – Councilperson James Cooper

    Kansas City, MO

    Kansas CIty Mayor Quinton Lucas commemorated Earth Week by participating in a cleanup at Troost Lake as part of a citywide volunteer event, speaking in a climate resilience symposium with Cornell University, and planting the 10,000th tree of the Canopy Cover KC program.

    “Planting the ‘10,000th’ tree represents our commitment to creating a greener, healthier Kansas City,” said Mayor Lucas. “When we launched the tree-planting initiative, we set an ambitious goal, and I’m proud to announce that we’ve exceeded our target and improved the environment and the tree canopy throughout our city. … From absorbing stormwater to removing pollution from our air, the tree initiative will make Kansas City healthier, safer, and more climate resilient. As our trees grow and thrive, they will serve as a living testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    Mayor Lucas also spoke on the significance of Earth Day itself. “Earth Day gives us a chance to reflect on the steps we are actively taking toward building a more climate resilient Kansas City. We have reformed our energy codes to put money back in the pockets of our residents, We have planted over 11,000 trees that will keep our air clean, and our streets beautiful and cool as temperatures rise. Cities like mine are positioned to lead by example as more Americans face the real consequences of climate change. I am proud of our efforts, and look forward to setting more ambitious goals to evaluate next Earth Day.”

    Atlanta, GA

    As a Climate Mayor, I am committed to elevating Atlanta’s climate action leadership and advancing our goal of 100% clean energy, for 100% Atlantans, by 2035! In celebration of Earth Day’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, we are Moving Atlanta Forward with a focus on sustainability and resilience to advance my vision of one city, with one bright future and opportunity for all. Over the last year, we energized our 40th solar installation and the first at the world’s busiest airport, updated our nation leading EV Readiness Ordinance, added 93 electric vehicles to our city fleet, tracking to hit 100 this year, deployed over two million dollars to support energy burden reduction through our WeatheRISE ATL pilot and directed over one million dollars to urban farmers and food security through AgLanta, our local urban agriculture ecosystem. We are also launching citywide engagement to inform the City’s first Climate Resilience Action Plan. This follows 18 months of community input to establish our core values developed in partnership with our community-led Climate Resilience Advisory Board. “Our Power, Our Planet” also means putting youth at the center of advancing climate action. We have expanded our Climate Resilience Advisory Board to include more voices of youth. And thanks to our partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Atlanta received $150,000 to establish our first Youth Climate Action Fund. The awardees receiving our second round of microgrants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for youth-led climate initiatives will be announced on Earth Day. Before Earth Day 2026, we commit to hosting our second Youth Climate Action Summit, completing our Climate Resilience Action Plan incorporating youth-led climate initiatives and, advancing implementation of three priority projects from the Climate Resilience Action Plan. These efforts demonstrate the smart investments Atlanta is making to be more climate resilient today, and for future generations, as A City Built for the Future! – Mayor Andre Dickens

    St Johns, Canada

    “Every action we take to protect our environment strengthens our connection to the world around us. This Earth Day, the City of St. John’s is proud to celebrate biodiversity and take meaningful steps toward a greener future. From promoting composting and reducing food waste to maintaining our parks and protecting urban green spaces, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. Since the adoption of the Resilient St. John’s Climate Plan, the City has approved initiatives that reduce over 2,087 tonnes of CO2 emissions from City operations. This is in addition to shared used paths, improvements and electrification of transit, and naturalization of over 11 hectares of City owned land. Together, we can build a more resilient, sustainable community — one where nature thrives, and so do we.” –Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary

    Salt Lake City, UT

    “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.” – Mayor Mendenhal

    Worcester, MA

    “I am excited to celebrate Earth Day 2025. When I started my most recent term as Mayor, I had asked our City Manager to commit to working to make Worcester the cleanest gateway city in New England. The City of Worcester has been working arduously to create infrastructure to set up our city for success in the realm of sustainability and resilience. We have created an award-winning strategic plan, the Green Worcester Sustainability and Resilience Plan, to guide us through the next several years in our changing climate. The key to ensuring that we can get through any crisis is by working collaboratively, and I feel so grateful to be part of a city that cares and thinks outside of the box to accomplish our goals.” – Mayor Joseph M. Petty

    Melbourne, Australia

    “Our recent environmental success is Power Melbourne. Power Melbourne will help residents access the benefits of renewable energy by installing a network of batteries, powered by sources such as solar, across the city. It is about making affordable renewable energy accessible for all Melburnians–no mater which part of the city they call home.” Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia

    Bedford, United Kingdom

    Bedford Borough Council announced a series of events to mark Earth Day 2025, centred around the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”. On Wednesday 30 April 2025, the Council will host a dedicated Business Morning event at the Harpur Suite, bringing together local businesses, sustainability experts, and organisations to build a sustainable future for Bedford Borough. Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said; “We are excited to offer this opportunity for Bedford’s business community to engage with sustainability experts and learn practical strategies for efficiently greening their operations. This event reflects our commitment to supporting local businesses in their transition to more environmentally responsible practices.” These sessions aim to inspire local action on climate change and promote sustainable practices across the borough. This series is part of the Council’s broader commitment to decarbonising its own operations and lead by example, including working on award-winning local generation projects and match funding energy efficiency projects that have a positive impact on local resilience building. Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, commented; “These Earth Day events demonstrate Bedford Borough Council’s commitment to leading by example in addressing climate change. We invite all residents, businesses, and community organisations to join us in reflecting on how we can collectively contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Bedford.” –Councillors Andrea Spice and Nicola Gribble

    Abbotsford, Canada

    “Abbotsford is committed to sustainability and forward-thinking climate action that strengthens our community’s resilience to a changing environment. As a City, we are actively taking steps to improve the quality of life within the community, minimize our environmental impact and preserve Abbotsford’s natural assets for generations to come. We are advancing sustainability in meaningful ways through our Climate Resilience Strategy which integrates carbon reduction with climate adaptation, our corporate Green Buildings Policy where we ensure all new civic buildings and major renovations provide net-zero carbon emissions, and our Urban Forestry Strategy, which added over 5,600 trees and shrubs citywide last year alone. We continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote responsible waste management and support residents in increasing energy efficiency in their homes. Through our annual Sustainability Report, we openly share our progress and commitment to innovation in environmental stewardship. As we look toward Earth Day 2026, Abbotsford will build on this foundation by fostering a culture of conservation, supporting renewable energy technologies, protecting green infrastructure, and encouraging community-led initiatives such as our upcoming citywide cleanup month. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable future – one action at a time.” – Ross Siemens, Mayor of Abbotsford

    Newport, United Kingdom

    “This Earth Day, we’re celebrating our achievements in renewable energy and green initiatives for the theme of Our Power, Our Planet. We have supported 27 community organisations and businesses in Newport with renewable energy upgrades in the past year, reducing carbon emissions by 120tCO2e per year through the Net Zero Newport Decarbonisation Programme. We also surpassed our solar installation target of 4MW of solar PV and won the Edie Net Zero Award 2024 Renewable Energy Project of the Year for the Kingsway Car Park Urban Solar Array. Furthermore, we’re expanding EV infrastructure to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and are currently first in Wales for access to a public charger, and the local authority in Wales with the highest proportion of electric vehicles in our fleet. We are also keen to support residents and the community, offering support in energy efficiency through Ecoflex in partnership with Warm Wales and we have also recently launched the group Solar Together scheme which offers discounted solar panels to residents. For Earth Day this year, we are hosting our very first Climate Cafe offering an informal space for anyone to get involved, in addition to hosting a number of events for council staff including a clothes swap, plant swap and Save Money, Save Water Lunch & Learn session. Our Newport Youth Council are also hosting a city-wide clothes swap. Looking ahead, we aim to increase our renewables capacity, continue enhancing EV charging access and supporting residents, communities and businesses. These are just some examples of how we are contributing to achieving net zero and making Newport a cleaner and greener city.” – Councillor Yvonne Forsey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity

    Maryland House of Delegates

    “As we celebrate Earth Day, I am proud to highlight some of the progress that Maryland made during the 2025 Legislative Session to protect our environment and invest in a more sustainable future. This year, I sponsored HB902/SB425, which codifies vital EPA coal ash regulations into Maryland law—ensuring these public health protections remain intact even if the federal rules are rolled back. The bill also establishes the Statewide Coal Combustion By-Products Coordinating Committee, which will bring together community members, technical experts, and government officials to help guide state-level decision makers on coal ash-related matters.This legislation passed the General Assembly and is a crucial step in safeguarding our air, water, and communities from the lasting harms of coal combustion by-products. I also sponsored HB338, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices by requiring yard waste collected at state buildings and along state highways to be disposed of in compostable or reusable containers—eliminating the use of single-use plastics in this process. The bill passed the House and made it to third reader in the Senate, but unfortunately did not cross the finish line before Session ended. I was also proud to co-sponsor HB506, the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, which strengthens funding for long-term restoration efforts across the watershed. This important legislation passed and will support the ongoing recovery of our region’s most treasured natural resource. Environmental issues are near and dear to my heart. I’m always eager to hear from constituents who are passionate about protecting the environment. If you have ideas for environmental legislation, I encourage you to reach out—your input helps shape the policies we pursue. On this Earth Day, let’s recommit to protecting our environment and building a more resilient Maryland—for our communities today and for generations to come.” – Delegate Mary A. Lehman (D-21)

    Ann Arbor, MI

    Officials from the City of Ann Arbor and DTE Energy joined on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, to sign a new heating franchise, the first in the country to include a climate agreement with associated activities that will demonstrably improve health, safety and make forward progress toward addressing the climate crisis. “The first Earth Day was in Ann Arbor,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “This is another historic first — a momentous example to the rest of the country of what is possible when we get creative and work collaboratively to find solutions that protect our health, safety, planet and pocketbooks.” Included with the franchise is an Agreement Regarding Climate Action (ARCA), which outlines commitments to cooperate in support of the City of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO program, Ann Arbor’s work to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030 (including an electrical grid powered 100% by renewable energy); ARCA also contains a commitment to help advance DTE’s own goals for achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its operations. The ARCA also outlines a requirement for the City and DTE to collaboratively develop two-year work plans over the course of the 10-year franchise to specify activities that will be undertaken to advance stated climate goals.

    Clearwater, FL

    Over the past year, the City of Clearwater has made significant strides in advancing clean energy and energy efficiency, reinforcing our commitment to a more resilient and sustainable community. Between Earth Day 2024 and 2025, we have: 1. Added the first four electric vehicles to our municipal fleet, fully funded through a federal allocation. 2. Achieved a 10% reduction in municipal building energy use through our Municipal Energy Savings Program. 3. Participated in the Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Pinellas County Solar Co-op, resulting in 65.48 kW of new residential solar installations across seven Clearwater homes. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2026, we are committed to continuing this momentum. Over the next year, the City of Clearwater will: 1. Install four fleet-dedicated EV charging stations, fully funded by a federal allocation. 2. Further reduce energy consumption in municipal buildings through continued efficiency measures. 3. Participate in the SUN Switch Together solar buying program, expanding opportunities for residents to install rooftop solar. 4. Commission four large-scale municipal solar installations totaling over 800 kW DC, reinforcing our leadership in clean energy adoption. As we celebrate Earth Day’s Our Power, Our Planet theme, Clearwater remains dedicated to embracing clean energy and efficiency, to ensure a more resilient future for all who live, work and visit here. – Mayor Bruce Rector

    Ventura, CA

    “Our community values its natural resources and remains committed to their preservation. This commitment is reflected in the policies and practices of our City Council and staff. For example, this year the City of Ventura is installing two large solar panel systems to City facilities, using our sunny California climate to generate renewable energy and contribute to the grid. Additionally, City Council, with the help of our community, endorsed our Climate Action and Resilience Plan – or CARP – to proactively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. By Earth Day 2026, we’ll complete LED lighting retrofits at more than 10 City facilities. We’ll also advance the Santa Paula Branch Line Trail and other active transportation projects, and CARP implementation will be in full swing. … Through our Green Schools Program, offered in partnership with the Ventura Unified School District, we deliver environmental education to over 6,000 students each year! We’re also proud to have certified 120 local businesses through our Green Business Program, reinforcing that sustainability is both environmentally responsible and financially prudent. … We’ve also streamlined the permitting process for solar, battery, and EV charging projects. And, this year marks Phase 2 of the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project, made possible by a $16 million grant from the State of California Coastal Conservancy. This project will restore the coastline and address erosion caused by wave action. As you’ve just heard, our dedication to environmental sustainability and stewardship is ongoing – and growing every year!” – Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios

    Hillsboro, OR

    The City of Hillsboro has long been a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, and we remain committed to climate action more than ever. For more than a decade, we have worked to advance the use of renewable energy in our community, and today, Hillsboro is recognized as the national leader in overall green power usage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our community members and businesses voluntarily purchase renewable electricity for nearly 66 percent of all electricity needs, and 100 percent of the City’s operations are powered by renewable energy. This leadership in clean energy aligns with our broader climate action efforts. As we look ahead to Earth Day 2026, the City Council is expected to adopt Hillsboro’s first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which will guide our long-term sustainability initiatives. Through this plan, we are committed to implementing new equity-centered climate projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding access to clean transportation options, and enhancing climate resilience through green infrastructure and energy efficiency programs. Together, with our Youth Advisory Council, residents, businesses, and community partners, we are building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Hillsboro. – Beach Pace, Mayor of Hillsboro

    Norwalk, CA

    As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day 2025, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect the natural resources that sustain us. The City of Norwalk remains committed to building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. Sustainability is a core pillar of our City’s strategic goals. This year, we are proud to highlight the progress we’ve made across multiple initiatives: – Through our Bus Stop Equity Project, Norwalk Transit is making public transportation more accessible and environmentally conscious, including the installation of solar panels at select bus stops. – Our citywide waste management services and street sweeping vehicles all use CNG vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. – A citywide solar installation project and park lighting upgrades are currently underway, increasing energy efficiency and reinforcing our commitment to renewable energy. – We continue to support responsible waste practices by hosting annual multiple recycling and e-waste events for our residents. – And this April, we’re uniting as a community with a citywide cleanup, a medication disposal event in collaboration with the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and a special “Plant a Tree” event in honor of Arbor Day. Together, these actions reflect Norwalk’s dedication to protecting our environment today—so that future generations can thrive tomorrow. Let’s continue working as a Connected Community to build a cleaner, greener Norwalk for all. Happy Earth Day and Arbor Day! –Mayor Tony Ayala

    Carson, CA

    As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, I am proud to join communities across the nation in reflecting on the importance of our environment and the urgent need for action to protect our planet for future generations. Earth Day serves as a reminder that the health of our environment is directly tied to the health of our communities, our families, and our economy. In the City of Carson, we have long prioritized sustainability, working to implement innovative solutions that reduce our carbon footprint, protect our natural resources, and foster a greener, healthier future for all. From expanding renewable energy initiatives to strengthening our waste reduction programs, we are committed to building a community that leads by example. Earth Day is not just a time for reflection, but a call to action. This year, as we face the challenges of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, let us recommit to the shared responsibility we all have to safeguard our planet. It is not enough to simply observe Earth Day; we must actively pursue the changes that will make a tangible difference. In Carson, six local utility-scale rooftop solar projects totaling around 6.74 MW are currently under construction on privately owned warehouses, with expected completion dates in Fall/Winter 2025. Among these, two are designated as Community Solar projects, with the City acting as the community sponsor, anticipating receiving 25% of the project’s output while the remaining 75% will benefit the community. Additionally, construction on a battery energy storage project is set to begin this year, featuring a 200-megawatt/800-megawatt-hour standalone battery energy storage system aimed at enhancing grid stability and resilience for Carson and Southern California. The estimated private investment for this facility exceeds $350 million. The City has also installed over 150 electric vehicle charging spaces across various facilities, providing convenient charging options for residents and visitors. The City also continues to improve its facilities, recently replacing many gas water heaters with electric heat pump water heaters. The City is engaged in both large and small-scale projects, recognizing that every project, regardless of size, can make a significant impact. As mayor, I encourage every resident of our community to take part in efforts that contribute to a sustainable and thriving environment. Whether it’s planting a tree, reducing energy consumption, or supporting local conservation initiatives, every action counts. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future. –Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes

    Frederick, MD

    “Frederick has made important strides in our work to build a more resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable future. Over the past couple of years, we’ve taken tangible steps—from planning to implementation—that reflect our commitment to addressing climate change with action.

    One of our most significant efforts is the development of the City’s Climate and Energy Action Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and preparing for the impacts of a changing climate. This plan is being informed by community voices—especially those we heard during our recent Sustainability Listening Session—and will include measurable, time-bound goals to guide our work through Earth Day 2026 and beyond. We anticipate this plan being completed by September 2025. 

    We’ve also delivered on projects that put these values into practice. The City’s new Police Headquarters features a solar canopy and was designed with green building standards in mind—an approach we intend to carry forward in future capital projects. We’ve also incorporated electric vehicle charging infrastructure in all City-owned parking garages and at additional locations throughout Frederick, supporting the community’s transition to cleaner transportation.

    Looking ahead, we are prioritizing municipal energy efficiency upgrades, expanding renewable energy adoption in City operations, and working to ensure that our climate efforts are equitable and inclusive. 

    We recognize the urgency of this moment, and we’re committed to leading by example. Creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities is a responsibility that should be embraced — now more than ever — and we’re doing just that.” – Mayor Michael O’Connor

    Bloomington, IN

    “Bloomington continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental action through innovations that strengthen our community’s resilience in the face of an ever-evolving climate,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson.

    “We have generated more than 20 GWh of solar energy from 38 municipal solar sites to date. Plus, an additional solar installation and battery energy storage system will be installed at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater by the end of 2026 through an Indiana Office of Energy Development grant to support a comprehensive upgrade of the theater.

    “We also plan to expand our electric vehicle charging network by installing our first municipally-owned Level 3 fast charger by the end of 2025.” 

    “Plus, Project 46 — a regional climate alliance, which includes our neighboring cities Nashville and Columbus — is supporting grant applications for funding opportunities for green infrastructure projects and EV charging stations.

    “As a regional leader in sustainability, Bloomington is engaging neighbors every step of the way as we implement our Climate Action Plan, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We recently launched our Climate Action Dashboard to increase awareness of the City’s efforts as part of our commitment to public transparency throughout this process.

    “This work is ambitious, and we are committed to it. We’re giving residents the tools and opportunities they need to take meaningful action to be part of the solution.” 

    Flagstaff, AZ

    Celebrating Our Progress & Elevating Climate Action

    Over the past few years, Flagstaff has made incredible strides in sustainability, demonstrating our deep commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, I want to reflect on some of our achievements and look ahead to the bold steps we’ll take next.

    In Flagstaff, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re making it happen. We’ve expanded programs to improve energy efficiency in homes and city buildings, enhanced services to cut waste, and secured vital funding to strengthen community resilience. Through initiatives like the Home Energy Rebate & Weatherization program, city-wide Energy Conservation Energy Project, and by fully transitioning to 100% clean electricity for city operations we are helping residents save money while making homes and city facilities safer and more comfortable. We are also cutting emissions from the City’s vehicle fleet. Our EV-First policy has helped Flagstaff integrate 17 electric vehicles into the fleet so far, supported with charging stations at 14 City facilities. This past year we doubled the number of electric bikes used for City operations to 15 bikes. Flagstaff is also supporting the adoption of EVs in the community by providing 18 charging stations for the public, which have been used more than 10,000 times this past year!

    We launched innovative waste-reduction programs like the free Residential Food Scrap Drop-Off and volunteer-led Fix-It Clinics, and increased community resilience through three new Resilience Hubs, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives aren’t just about the environment, they’re about improving air quality, reducing climate pollution, saving money, and strengthening our community connections.

    Looking Ahead: A Bolder Vision for a Resilient Community

    As we set our sights on Earth Day 2026, I’m excited about what’s next. In the coming year, Flagstaff will:

    Expand clean transportation by expanding out pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, promoting micro-mobility, and increasing EV charging stations. Accelerate the shift to renewable energy by continuing to utilize and boosting solar installations in homes through our solar co-op.

    Develop an online Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Model Plans Library to encourage the rapid deployment of energy-efficient, all-electric ADUs to meet the City’s adopted climate and housing goals.

    Continue to invest in grass roots community sustainability projects through Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (building on over 70 projects funded over the last decade!) and fund creative business ideas through our Innovate Green business pitch competition.

    Beyond energy and transportation, we’re stepping up efforts to reduce organic waste and strengthen food security. Over the next year, we’ll expand composting drop off locations, increase food waste

    prevention education, and partner with local organizations to ensure surplus food reaches those in need. Guided by our community-driven Food Action Plan, these efforts will address real priorities identified by Flagstaff residents.

    A Call to Action

    These ambitious goals will make Flagstaff a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city. Achieving them requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment from residents, businesses, and policymakers alike. Together, we can make Flagstaff a model for sustainability and climate action.

    I invite you to join us in building a cleaner, more vibrant future for Flagstaff and our planet.

    Sincerely, Becky Daggett Mayor, City of Flagstaff

    Iowa City, IA

    Iowa City continues to demonstrate leadership in climate action in 2025 with exciting projects that build on our commitments to renewable energy and clean transportation. This includes supporting the addition of rooftop solar panels on the Iowa City Bike Library as part of our new Resilience Hub initiatives, as well as the addition of a patrol-rated electric vehicle to our growing fleet of EVs, the first of its kind in the state. To date, we have reached more than 3,700 homes in Iowa City with energy saving kits delivered during our annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz, and this year we will once again celebrate Earth Day with a target of reaching 800 more homes through the event. Projects like these have enabled the city to achieve its goal of a 45% reduction of emissions 10 years ahead of our 2030 goals. By accelerating our innovative sustainability programs, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we are ensuring that Iowa City is not only resilient today but sustainable for generations to come.” – Mayor Bruce Teague, Iowa City

    Palo Alto, CA

    “Palo Alto is actively advancing our ambitious climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The City has had zero-net-carbon electricity since 2013. By 2022, Palo Alto had reduced emissions 47% from the 1990 baseline, despite a population increase of 21.3%. Our residents are supporting this progress by participating in City programs such as: the first-of-its-kind Full Service Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) and Emergency Water Heat Replacement programs which have helped replace 567 gas water heaters with electric HPWHs; a home electrification rebate and technical assistance program that in 2 months has resulted in 19 HPWH, 17 Heat Pump HVAC, and 5 gas meter removal projects in progress, and 25 people engaging our technical assistance program for personalized home electrification consultations; and waste reduction resulting in a 91% diversion rate from landfills. The City of Palo Alto is committed to maintaining rapid progress toward a resilient future and achieving our climate and sustainability goals.” – Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker

    Bentonville, AR

    “As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, Bentonville is proud to reflect on our commitment to sustainability and the progress we’ve made together. Over the past year, we have expanded our green spaces through planting approximately 350 trees in public spaces, encouraged citizen participation in reforestation through giving away more than 1,000 trees, and invested in energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce our carbon footprint as evidenced by the completion of the SW Bright Road project and our investments in active transportation infrastructure city-wide. The May 2024 tornados did damage to our tree canopy. As a result, we are conducting a comprehensive tree canopy assessment and will develop an urban forestry master plan to protect and expand our urban forest. These initiatives will not only beautify our city but also improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide natural cooling to combat the effects of climate change. Bentonville remains dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for generations to come.” – Mayor Stephanie Orman

    Hoboken, NJ

    “Hoboken remains committed to leading the way in renewable energy and climate resilience. Our Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for achieving net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 and our transition to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity for municipal operations in 2019 was just the beginning. Through our Renewable Energy Program, we’ve empowered residents to choose greener energy options, saving over $972,000 and reducing 46,286 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Between now and Earth Day 2026, we are scaling our community solar program to serve more low-income households, expanding our on-street EV charging infrastructure to ensure that every resident is within a five-minute walk of an on-street EV charging station, and we are increasing access to micromobility options to support cleaner, car-free travel to help reduce our collective carbon footprint. We are also improving energy efficiency in municipal and residential buildings and investing in green infrastructure to manage storm surge and rainfall flooding. This includes the expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park, which will open later this year and will be capable of detaining up to 500,000 gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events, protecting our neighborhoods while providing much-needed open space. These initiatives are not just about sustainability and climate adaptation; they are about equity, access, and empowering every resident to be part of the climate solution. Hoboken will continue to innovate, collaborate, and take bold action to ensure our community thrives in a rapidly changing climate.” – Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla

    Georgia General Assembly

    HB 9 Safer States Act HR 67 Georgia Clean Air Act I believe our power is in bold policy and urgent action—because the planet can’t wait, and neither can our communities. As a Stare legislator, I’m committed to advancing climate justice through strong, equity-focused legislation that prioritizes clean energy , environmental health, and green job creation. Between now and Earth Day 2026, I will empower communities by launching climate equity roundtables and supporting grassroots sustainability initiatives. I’ll champion education by integrating climate justice into schools and hosting a statewide Green Future Summit. Through partnerships with HBCUs, creatives, and African-led organizations, we’ll spark innovation and amplify awareness. – Rep. Kim Schoy

    Elyria, OH

    “The City of Elyria is proud to continue making meaningful strides toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. One of the key initiatives we’ve undertaken is the replacement of outdated lighting systems with modern, energy-saving LED technology. This transition has already been successfully implemented across our city’s street lights and recreation centers, resulting in improved energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. We are now expanding these efforts to include additional municipal buildings, such as our Fire Stations, Police Station, and municipal courts. Our ultimate goal is to achieve 100% LED lighting throughout all City of Elyria facilities. By making these upgrades, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint, but also creating a brighter, safer, and more efficient city for all who live and work here.”- Mayor Kevin Brubaker

    Galveston, TX

    “WHEREAS, April 22, 2025, marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet” demonstrates the significant economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy within our community; and
    WHEREAS, Earth Day not only commemorates our successes over the last year to address complex environmental challenges, but also affirms our commitment to continuing this work and implementing additional measures to solve these challenges in the year ahead; and
    WHEREAS, Galveston’s habitats, wildlife, and other natural resources are a cornerstone of the island’s identity and essential to the city’s quality of life, economy, and tourism. As Earth Day nears, we recognize the progress we have made by becoming the first and only city in Texas to achieve the prestigious High-Flyer status as an official Bird City.
    THEREFORE, we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Galveston, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2025, as: “Earth Day in Galveston Texas.” In Observance Thereof, The City of Galveston is committed to incorporating sustainability, conservation, and climate resiliency as key themes in the redevelopment of the city’s comprehensive plan between now and Earth Day 2026.” – Dr Craig Brown, Mayor

    La Crosse, WI

    “La Crosse has recently adopted an ambitious Climate Action Plan aiming to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 50% below 2019 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan outlines strategies across nine key sectors, including transportation, energy, and waste management, to guide the community toward these goals. Work on implementing action steps within these strategies is ongoing. Adoption of the plan was a key factor in La Crosse becoming one of fewer than 100 recipients globally of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund to support youth-led climate projects. After a successful launch, La Crosse is now on to round two of these grants. In addition, La Crosse has prioritized integrating renewable energy into its municipal infrastructure with installation of solar arrays on several public buildings, including City Hall, the La Crosse Center, the main public library, and the Municipal Service Center. These and other energy initiatives involving lighting and other improvements are saving greater than expected energy and associated costs. The city is also completing massive upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant that include a cogeneration unit to remove the plant from the electrical grid and make it entirely self-sustaining. Further, La Crosse is modernizing its public transportation system by incorporating electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. The transit system has already introduced electric buses into its fleet and is planning to expand this initiative. Finally, surface infrastructure project plans will continue to emphasize human-powered transportation solutions. This will include adding trails, infilling sidewalks, and creating dedicated bike lanes wherever possible.” –Mitch Reynolds, Mayor

    Leesburg, VA

    “In Leesburg, every day is Earth Day. Our Town is deeply committed to protecting our natural environment while promoting long-term economic prosperity for the benefit of all who live, work, and visit here. We have focused on building a strong foundation of data collection and analysis to guide smart, effective decisions for our community. Over the past year, we’ve introduced a food waste composting pilot, launched innovative recycling initiatives, and expanded our litter collection efforts—each one a step toward a cleaner, greener Leesburg. Looking ahead, we will continue to grow and strengthen these programs. We’ll use our data to drive meaningful change, and we’ll engage and educate both staff and residents to build broad support for our efforts. This year, we will open our first publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in Downtown Leesburg and host an electric vehicle acclimation event for staff as we prepare for continued fleet conversion. We are also exploring flexible financing options to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while ensuring sustainability is prioritized in all new construction. This Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to doing what is within Our Power, for Our Planet. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for Leesburg.” – Mayor Kelly Burk

    Charlottesville, VA

    “The City of Charlottesville has long-standing commitments to sustainability and reducing our climate pollution while building a strong, safe, healthy community. We are making progress on our climate goals – so far community-wide emissions have been reduced 42% from the baseline. As we continue to aim for 45% by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, we remain focused on energy efficiency and solar power deployment and are thrilled to have launched an Energy Resource Hub this spring in close partnership with our neighboring county as well as two local nonprofit organizations. This Hub will assist residents and businesses to access federal, state, and local clean energy programs and incentives. We are also pursuing those opportunities in our public buildings. This summer, we will be installing our largest solar project on our technical education center and implementing energy efficiency projects in a set of buildings, including our City Hall. We are planning for a transition of our transit fleet to zero-emission buses and have recently placed our first order for electric school buses. We are also working on a city-wide project to convert all streetlights to LED technology and conducting a community EV charging infrastructure study. There is so much exciting climate action happening in our community and Earth Day 2025 is a great chance to celebrate and keep the momentum going!” – Mayor Juandiego Wade, City of Charlottesville

    Burlington, VT

    Members of the Burlington City Council participated in an Earth Action Day Roundtable hosted by students at University of Vermont, and highlighted their existing and upcoming plans to strengthen the community through environmental action:

    “Burlington is one of the first cities and remains one of the few cities around the country that has net zero energy goals … I’m glad to have Burlington electric department here presenting to the city council at our upcoming meeting on May 12th with an update as to where we are at on our net zero goals … We have been working a ton on housing reforms…becoming a denser community to bring us closer together and make us a more walkable, bikeable neighborhood … The greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions here is the transportation sector and if we come closer together we can achieve these goals … The student population here is such a critical part of our community, and so the more opportunities we have to come together to exchange ideas the better.” – Ben Traverse, Burlington Ward 5 Council Member “
    [Climate change] is an issue that requires bold action and we need people who have the stomach to do that and take those bold steps … My vision for our transportation system is that we make it so fun and easy to walk, wheel, or take a bus. This will cause people to reduce single occupancy vehicle transportation … I’d like to see us implement a lot more carrot incentives to get people out there and excited about [public transportation] … We just approved a very innovative design for Battery Street, which will have a two way bike and path .. I just want to end by calling attention to the power that you all have in this room, and just encouraging you to use it.” – Becca Brown McKnight, Burlington Ward 6 Council Member
    “[In the last year the Burlington City Council ] banned parking minimums that required a certain amount of parking spaces for new developments even if they didn’t need them … There’s 35 projects that have been permitted over the past year out of the Neighborhood Code, bringing us closer together, and allowing us to become a more walkable, likable community” – Gene Bergman, Ward 2 Council Member
    “[despite the lack of federal assistance,] we have a real opportunity at the local level” – Carter Neubieser, Ward 1 Council Member

    Littleton, CO

    As Mayor of Littleton, Colorado, I am proud to share our commitment to building a resilient, sustainable future for our community. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing our city. Through collaboration with a dedicated citizen advisory board, we have ensured that our efforts are guided by the unique needs and concerns of our residents, empowering us to make informed, data-driven decisions. This year, we are excited to finalize our Greenhouse Gas Inventory, marking a crucial milestone in our journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable Littleton. Additionally, we will take the first steps toward developing our Climate Action Plan, setting the stage for bold, actionable strategies that will shape our city’s response to climate change. By focusing on long-term planning and leveraging opportunities for responsible growth, we are working to ensure that Littleton’s future is healthier and more resilient for current and future generations. – Mayor Kyle Schlachter

    Mission, Canada

    “Mission has taken an active approach in ensuring that we are doing our share to reduce climate impacts and to bolster our community against the impacts of climate change. Our list of actions is long, but they are spelled out in the Environmental Charter we approved in 2022. Related to the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, we have invested in electric fleet vehicles and charging stations, with one more station planned for installation at our Public Works yard in 2025. We have also committed to the replacement of the City’s existing streetlights with more efficient LEDs over the next 18-months.” – Mayor Paul Horn

    West Springfield, MA

    Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield has emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship, stating, “Community participation is essential not just on Earth Day, but every day, to keep our town clean, green, and thriving. When we all do our part—whether it’s picking up litter, planting trees, or making sustainable choices—we create a healthier environment for future generations. Small actions add up, and together, we can make a lasting impact on our community.” Under Mayor Reichelt’s leadership, West Springfield has implemented several environmental initiatives. One notable project is the Tri-City Carbon Sequestration Program, a collaboration with Holyoke and Westfield, which aims to preserve forests and watersheds. This initiative is projected to generate over $2 million in carbon credits over a decade by maintaining forest CO2 stocks above the regional baseline, thereby providing significant climate benefits through carbon sequestration. Additionally, West Springfield has engaged in regional collaborations to address environmental challenges. In December 2019, Mayor Reichelt participated in discussions with leaders from neighboring cities to tackle increased recycling costs and explore sustainable waste management solutions. -<strong>official statement from the Town of West Springfield MA
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    Delaware General Assembly

    “Happy Earth Day! Yesterday I was proud to join my colleagues Rep. Larry Lambert and Rep. Frank Burns, as well as some of the states most passionate climate activists, at the Delaware Historical Society to discuss how we can best safeguard Delaware families from the negative impacts of climate change. In the 152nd General Assembly alone, we passed a dozen pieces of legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put Delaware on the path to creating and using more renewable energy, prioritize native plants, and protect vulnerable communities. And we did so with pushback. Over the last few years we have been fighting an increasingly difficult battle between those who believe in science and justice, and those who believe that profits and convenience should take precedence over human life and our natural resources. We are facing even more pushback right now, but we will not stop fighting. In the past 4 months alone, we have filed multiple bills to ensure that Delaware families are able to keep their heads above water as we deal with surging energy prices that result from our state’s reliance on fossil fuels. We are still working to diversify our energy portfolio, with a focus on renewable energy, despite the setbacks we’ve endured. That’s how we will lower costs and help keep our state cleaner in the long run. I recently introduced legislation to prohibit food establishments from providing any single-use food service items, unless specifically requested by a customer. Not only are fossil fuels required to make plastic cutlery, but they are more often than not unable to be recycled, and just end up in landfills. There is no amount of widespread delusion or spreading of misinformation that will stop us from fighting for the health, safety, and happiness of Delaware families.” – Representative Sophie Phillips, 18th District

    Connecticut General Assembly

    We are committed to a just transition to renewable energy for CT and to meet our state’s climate goals (2030) with several key pieces of legislation, and to help prevent clawback of the clean energy resources and funding of the Inflation Reduction Act that can aid our state, our municipalities, schools, etc. towards a sustainable, clean energy future. We are committing to state-wide resources to increase energy efficiency, invest in environmental justice-impacted communities, transition away from fossil fuels dependency, and invest in resiliency and affordability of our electric grid. We have a daunting journey, and we are running out of time. But our climate, our planet, and our home is worth all the public will we can garner in this crisis we face, to empower an inhabitable future for the generations to come after us. – <strong>State Representative Anne Hughes, 135th House District</strong>

    Vermont State Senate

    “If we are going to be successful at getting people to transition away from fossil fuels in a rural state, we need you to be out canvassing at a local effort to get people out of their communities to hold people’s hands through the energy transition.” – Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Majority Leader of Vermont State Senate

    Earth Day Cities and Government FAQ

    When is this happening?

    The Earth Action Day will occur on or around April 22nd (communities should choose the date that fits best to participants’ needs), and will serve as the primary activation for subnational governments to have a meaningful impact on Earth Day.

    Where should we organize?

    Wherever town hall events are typically held in your community! Popular options include: city hall, community centers, libraries, museums, universities, and other public forums.

    Why should our community participate?

    Economic Advantages: Reduced energy costs, job creation, and increased tax revenue.
    Public Health Gains: Improved air quality and resilience infrastructure.
    Disaster Mitigation: Enhancing home values by reducing climate risks and heightened resilience to extreme weather.

    Who should attend?

    The Earth Action Day brings together local governments with citizen leaders, including the following examples:

    Government Members
    • The mayor (or equivalent executive leader)
    • The mayor (or equivalent executive leader)
    • City sustainability officers
    • City council members
    • City planners
    • School boards
    • Other officials in charge of developing transportation, infrastructure, business, etc.
    • Indigenous leadership

    Citizen Participants
    • Local environmental nonprofits and/or advocacy groups
    • Business leaders
    • University administrators
    • Student activists and youth groups
    • Faith leaders
    • Teachers
    • Engaged citizens of all backgrounds

    Schedule a zoom call with us

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