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Earth Day Observance Proposed
Peace activist John McConnel presents the idea at the UNESCO conference. His aim is to honor the Earth and to promote peace. He selects the March equinox as the celebration date as it marks spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a season of new life and growth. -
First Equinoctial Earth Day Observed
United Nations Secretary General U Thant signs the proclaimation to celebrate Earth Day as an international holiday. Peace activist John McConnell wrote the proclaimation. -
First Earth Day Teach-in Event in the U.S.A.
United States Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) is the founder of Earth Day in the United States. He helped to lauch a new era of environmental activism. The April 22 date is selected as it is a time when schools and universities are still in session. During the the March equinox, many educational institutions are on spring break. -
First Canadian Earth Day
Dr. Paul D. Tinari, then an engineering graduate student at Queens University, organized the first Earth Day Canada (EDC). The day is celebrated with educational programs to raise awareness and to promote environmental activisim. -
20th Anniversary of Earth Day
Earth Day NetworkDennis Heyes, an enrionmental advocate and proponent of solar power, is known for helping Senator Gaylord organize the first Earth Day in 1970. In 1990, Hayes launched an international effort to promote the celebration globally. He founded the Earth Day Network to manage the activities and celebrations of the day, especially in honor of its 20th anniversary in 1990. -
30th Anniversary of Eath Day
The Internet was used as a tool to promote this 30th anniversary celebration. Leonardo Dicaprio was the events host. 182 nations participated.
