Earth Day 2025: What's it all about?

This year marks 55 years since Earth Day first began.

The day started in the US in 1970 and has now spread globally, celebrated by millions of people across the world.

It's a chance for people to honour the achievements of the environmental movement and highlight the need to protect the planet.

Earth Day takes place every year on 22 April.

Read on to find out more about this day.

What is Earth Day and how did it start?

Earth Day started in the US in 1970

Earth Day is a global movement which happens every year on 22 April.

The first-ever Earth Day was held in 1970 in the United States, when 20 million people took to the streets to protest against big environmental issues, including oil spills, polluted rivers and air pollution.

By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day had led to the US Environmental Protection Agency being set up, and several environmental laws were brought in or strengthened.

In 1990 it became a global event. Organisers say over a billion people take part in events to mark the day in hundreds of countries all over the world.

What is the theme for Earth Day 2025?

The organisers are encouraging people to express their views to raise awareness

Every year there is a different theme for Earth Day.

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is 'Our power, Our planet', which focuses on renewable energy.

The organisers are calling for renewable energy generation to be tripled by 2030 around the world.

They are also encouraging people to take part in environmental actions by signing petitions and organising protests.

In previous years, themes included plastic pollution and species protection.