Family Life Fun Parties Special Occasions 10 Earth Day Facts for Kids Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate our planet and environment. Get your child in the spirit by sharing these fun facts and statistics, which have a healthy dose of Earth Day history. By Nicole Harris Nicole Harris Instagram Nicole Harris joined the team in 2018 as a staff writer and was promoted to SEO editor in 2021. She now covers everything from children's health to parenting trends. Her writing has appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings, Good Housekeeping, The Knot, BobVila.com, and other publications. A graduate of Syracuse University, Nicole currently lives in Queens, New York with her husband. our editorial guidelines Updated on March 31, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Maica/Getty Images Earth Day promotes international awareness of environmental protection and earth conservation. It's the perfect opportunity to teach your child about important concepts, such as going green and reducing, reusing, and recycling. Here are 10 Earth Day facts and statistics to share with your little one. 1. Senator Gaylord Nelson conceived Earth Day in the early 1960s. Senator Nelson worried that environmental issues were not being addressed in the political arena, especially after he witnessed the aftermath of a California oil spill in 1969. He was inspired by Vietnam War protests to organize a nationwide grassroots demonstration to promote conservation involvement and awareness. 7 Earth Day Activities Kids Can Do at Home 2. The first Earth Day was in 1970. Nelson's demonstration was set for April 22, 1970. It purposefully fell between spring break and final exams in the hope that college students would participate. About 20 million Americans showed their support, according to environmental advocacy group Earth Day Network, and it soon became the first official Earth Day. 3. The government responded to Earth Day with environmental legislation. Both republicans and democrats responded to the environmental conservation messages of Earth Day. It helped inspire the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. 4. Earth Day went global in 1990. Twenty years after the first Earth Day, the campaign spread internationally. The 1990 demonstration mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries, according to the Earth Day Network, and it gave major attention to environmental issues like recycling. 6 Earth Day Crafts for Kids 5. About one billion people recognize Earth Day each year. The Earth Day Network says it's the "largest secular observance in the world," and it currently reaches people in more than 190 countries. Online platforms and social media help share the important messages. 6. Earth Day always falls on April 22. Wondering when Earth Day is this year? It always takes place on April 22 as a nod to the first official demonstration. People worldwide participate with rallies, concerts, acts of service, outdoor activities, and more. 7. It’s known as “International Mother Earth Day” around the world. The United Nations General Assembly came up with the moniker in 2009, although it never stuck in America. 6 Earth Day Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers 8. Worldwide initiatives have benefited the environment. Earth Day has inspired people worldwide to act for a cause. For example, more than 100,000 people in China rode bikes to work in 2012. Additionally, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan on Earth Day 2011. 9. There’s an “official” Earth Day song. One of the most popular Earth Day songs is Earth Anthem, which was written in 2013 by Indian poet Abhay Kumar. It has been translated in dozens of languages, including all official United Nations languages. 10. This year marks the 52nd anniversary. People worldwide will celebrate the 52nd Earth Day on April 22, 2022. The theme is Invest In Our Planet. "This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods," according to EarthDay.org. To learn more about Earth Day 2022, check out EarthDay.org. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit