Before we delve any deeper, let’s start off by looking at the inception of Earth Day. The very first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, and for 20 odd years, most of what went on was confined to the US. In 1990, however, the original coordinator of the first Earth Day Denis Hayes broadened its horizons and organised the event in over 140 countries. Today, more than 1 billion people in over 193 countries across the globe get together to celebrate Earth Day.
Since its inception, the movement behind Earth Day has been about the power of individual voices gathering. There is, after all, significant power in numbers and actions: it helps create accountability and bold, creative solutions.
During the movement’s first decade, its actions were focused on legislation regarding pollution. It was successful with several acts being approved, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Superfund, Toxics Substances Control Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The momentum also led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the ban of DDT and lead in gas.
The 1990s saw a focus on more contemporary environmental issues, and there was increasing action regarding recycling. Once we hit the millennium, global warming and clean energy became central to Earth Day’s campaigning.
Fun fact: the first Google Doodle celebrated Earth Day back in 2001. This year, Google created its 20th doodle to celebrate Earth Day. Without a doubt, the internet has immensely helped to connect people around the world and unify their voices behind one overarching message about protecting our planet.
Most of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Earth Day in April 2020 were cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. Nevertheless, it quickly changed into a digital format, mobilising more people online than ever before. Since then, the digital realm has become the ideal platform to discuss current issues, raise awareness around climate literacy and environmental justice, and gather prominent voices from global activists, international leaders, A-list celebrities, influencers and more. Regular citizens are also able to show their support globally through videos, social media posts and more.
Of course, the .ART community has been no exception when it comes to engaging with this extremely important topic. Today, we look at several community members that use their voice to raise awareness and contribute toward the discourse around ecology, preservation, climate change and more through the power of art.
Anna Davidson
Visit her website annadavidson.art to discover more about her work or find her under @annaquonda on Instagram.
The Art of Resilience
To discover more about their work, you can head to artofresilience.art.
Chris Kelly
Look into his universe by strolling through his website ckelly.art or by glancing at his Instagram @_ckelly.art.
Milan Rai
The work of Milan can be discovered on Instagram under @milan_rai5 and on milanrai.art.
Lauren Bon
Follow her on Instagram under @laurenmetropolis, or pay her website laurenbon.art a visit.
Jude Allen & Isla Robertson
Visit their website ourlivingsoil.art to discover more about their work to find her under @soilvoices Instagram.
Salt Tree Art
You can explore their project @salttreeart or look at their website here salttree.art
Lin Barrie and Clive Stockil
To discover more about their passion and work, you can head to wineandwilddogs.art or follow Lin on Instagram under @linbarrie
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