Celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary: The Profoundly Radical Message of Earth Day's First Organizer

Celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary: The Profoundly Radical Message of Earth Day's First Organizer

by Mallory King -
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With COVID-19 on everyone’s mind, it can be easy to forget about other issues or current events, or even what day it is. Today is Earth Day. Founded by Denis Hayes fifty years ago, Hayes continues to burn with passion for his message, protect the environment. He feels, “Covid-19 robbed us of Earth Day this year. So let’s make Election Day Earth Day… This November 3, vote for the Earth.”

Working on the top floor of the world’s greenest building, he asks people to put political differences aside, to focus on our shared values and work together for the good of the earth. He has been spreading messages about global warming since January 1980, when he announced to the American Association for the Advancement of Science “the continued use of fossil fuels would lead to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere."

Although Hayes says “Covid-19 robbed us of Earth Day this year,” many have said social distancing has had positive effects for the environment including cleaner air in China and Europe. However these changes could be short lived. What is important is that together we work toward a more sustainable way of life not just for planet, but the people too. What can we learn from Mr. Hayes passion and commitment to the environment? 

Learn more and get inspired by reading about Mr. Hayes in the New York Times article, "The ‘Profoundly Radical’ Message of Earth Day’s First Organizer".

For more information about Earth Day, visit its official website: https://www.earthday.org/