This past month, we celebrated the 56th Earth Day to continue to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. For many years leading up to the first Earth Day, Americans’ use of automobiles consumed large quantities of leaded gas. Air pollution was common in the industrial world and was widely accepted as reality. Unfortunately, Americans were unaware of the consequences this pollution could have on their health. Then, in 1962, Rachel Carson published her New York Times bestseller, Silent Spring. This popular book raised awareness for the effects of the polluted environment on public health, and helped shift the nation away from ignorance on this subject.
In January of 1969, Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin witnessed a large oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. With the goal of increasing public consciousness about pollution, he announced his idea of a teach-in on college campuses and recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organize them and bring them to the broader public. They chose April 22 as the date to maximize student participation, and Hayes built a national staff to promote events across the country. They named this date Earth Day. This first Earth Day in 1970 inspired 20 million Americans to come together against decades of industrial pollution, which had left serious consequences on human health.
This first Earth Day was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, farmers and city dwellers, and more. It even led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as environmental laws to protect the human population and the land we live on.
In 1990, Earth Day went global, reaching 200 million people across 141 countries. The event brought environmental concerns to a worldwide stage, greatly boosting recycling efforts and inspiring international action. It also earned Sen. Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Bill Clinton to honor his role as the founder of Earth Day.
The theme of Earth Day 2026 was “Our Power, Our Planet” which emphasized taking action. Interested students had the opportunity to seek out various events that took place near Concord, Massachusetts and contribute to the improvement of our environment. As Earth Day continues to occur annually, Concord Academy students have the chance to work towards making our planet a better place.