Earth Day 2022 Focuses on Collective Responsibility
Mar 31, 2022 06:34AM ● By Ronica A. O’Hara
As 1 billion people around the globe gather to
mark Earth Day on April 22, they will be focusing on an increasingly critical
goal: the need for everyone—governments, citizens, and businesses—to do their
part to combat climate change. “Everyone accounted for, and everyone
accountable,” is the day’s emerging motto.
While Earth Day themes over the past 52 years
have often centered on specific issues, such as plastic pollution and
deforestation, this year’s broader theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” reflects a
growing consensus that, at such a critical point for the Earth’s future,
governments will not solve the climate crisis by themselves. “Like the industrial,
space, and information revolutions, all sectors of society can and must play
major roles—this time with the extraordinary responsibilities to get it right,”
reads a statement from EarthDay.org. Activism involves not only lowering
carbon emissions, but also making sure that the benefits of the coming Green
Revolution are spread evenly throughout society, the statement says. “In 2022,
we all must enter into one partnership for the planet,” says Earth Day
President Kathleen Rogers.
Events, such as rallies and social media
campaigns, aim to encourage action and legislation, as well as educate on
corporate and personal sustainability. Art shows allow attendees to visualize a better future while data collection for
citizen-based science research and workshops find ways to build local green
economies. All are appropriate ways to participate this Earth Day, as well as clean-up campaigns
and tree plantings. To learn about personal actions, including step-by-step
instructions on how to organize an event, visit EarthDay.org.
