EARTH DAY 2025: OUR POWER, OUR PLANET

Earth day, celebrated annually on April 22, serves as a global reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. As we approach Earth Day 2025, it’s essential to reflect on its origins, understand its significance and explore actionable steps individuals can take to contribute to a healthier planet. This year’s theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ emphasises the pivotal role of renewable energy in combating climate change and fostering a sustainable future.

The history of Earth Day

The inception of Earth Day dates to April 22, 1970, marking the birth of the modern environmental movement. The idea was spearheaded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson who, while motivated by the devastating 1970 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, sought to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. He enlisted the help of Denise Hayes, a young activist, to coordinate a national ‘teach-in’ on environmental issues.

This initiative mobilised approximately 20 million Americans, which was 10 per cent of the US population at the time, to participate in demonstrations and educational events across the country. The momentum generated by this inaugural Earth Day led to the establishment of significant environmental legislation in the United States, including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

The importance of celebrating Earth Day

Earth Day serves multiple critical functions in the global effort to protect our environment. One of these functions is for raising awareness about the current state of environmental issues. Environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. Educating the public is important as it can better inform our policies and solutions that are needed to solve the environmental crisis. Another critical function is to foster community engagement. Earth Day encourages collective action, bringing together individuals, communities and organisations to participate in activities that promote environmental stewardship; these actions can be the planting of indigenous trees or participating in a clean-up campaign.

The widespread participation and visibility of Earth Day events can bring attention to critical local environmental issues that need legislative and policy changes aimed at environmental protection and sustainability. Earth day can also serve as a catalyst for individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, such as reducing waste, which can lead to less environmental pollution. We can also practice conserving energy by using energy efficient appliances and adopting renewable energy sources. We may also support eco-friendly initiatives such as participating in the national ‘Phatsa Sakho Nawe’ campaign.

The theme for Earth Day 2025, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, underscores the critical need to transition to renewable energy sources. This initiative aims to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030, highlighting the role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity and promoting economic growth. Earthday.org has outlined several activities and resources to help individuals and communities participate in Earth Day 2025 and these activities include planting trees in areas that are highly affected by climate change or have experienced a lot of environmental degradation. Individuals are also encouraged to participate in local earth day events or you could organise your own activity to raise awareness or promote sustainable habits in your community, school or workplace.  You may engage in educational activities such as learning about available renewable energy sources in the country or teach others about what sources they can use; it could be something as simple as how to turn cow dung into a source of energy for cooking.

In the context of Eswatini, Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of the growing environmental challenges we face as a nation. From the increasing effects of climate change such as droughts, unpredictable weather patterns and the growing issue of unmanaged waste in our towns and rural areas, local action is just as important as global awareness.

Educating

Activities such as using community police members to stop illegal dumping in communities, promoting tree planting in schools through Eco Clubs and educating rural communities about composting and recycling can make a meaningful impact. Earth Day is a chance for every liSwati, young and old, to reflect on how their daily actions contribute to the health or harm of our beautiful kingdom.

Furthermore, Eswatini has a unique opportunity to invest in renewable energy at both household and national levels. With good sunshine year-round, solar power is an accessible and sustainable alternative that could reduce our reliance on imported electricity. Youth groups and local innovators have already begun to explore solar dryers for agriculture and small-scale solar lighting solutions in off-grid areas. Supporting these kinds of initiatives, especially through community-based organisations and partnerships, aligns perfectly with this year’s Earth Day theme.

As Earth Day 2025 approaches, let us reflect on the progress made since its inception and recognise the work that still lies ahead. Embracing the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, we are reminded of the collective strength we possess to effect meaningful change. Through individual actions and community engagement, we can contribute to a sustainable future ensuring that the beauty and resources will still benefit future generations and not just us.

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