Millions of students and adults around the world observed Earth Day last week with cleanups, tree plantings, rallies and other activities showing environmental consciousness. The observance each April 22 was started in 1970 by Americans who hoped to stir activism to clean up and preserve waterways, air, soil, wildlife and nature overall. This year's theme is Our Power, Our Planet.

Right now, there are many reasons to feel like the Earth isn't being protected well. Countries are falling behind on promises to cut carbon emissions from industries, vehicles, vessels and other gas-powered equipment. Last year, carbon emissions from fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) were at a record high. It was also the third hottest year ever recorded on Earth. Wars also harm the environment. Large conflicts like those in Iran, Ukraine and Sudan don't only cause waste, death and destruction – they also release huge amounts of pollution.

On a brighter note, solar power grew by 30 percent overall last year. Battery storage, which lets solar be used even at night, grew by over 40 percent in 2025. And China, the largest polluter, cut emissions last year by using less coal. It leads the world in solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles.

The first Earth Day in 1970 arose from growing concern over pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created just eight months later. The movement also strengthened the Clean Air Act, which Congress expanded in December 1970. And in 1973, federal lawmakers passed the Endangered Species Act to protect species at risk of extinction and their habitats. Each year, many groups still use the April day – sometimes expanded into Earth Week to organize volunteer events focused on the environment.

Scientist says: "Earth Day arrives this year at a moment of change — not just in the environment, but in how we respond. . . . National science-based environmental protections are being contested, reshaped and rolled back." – Phillip Levin, EarthLab director at the University of Washington

Global scope: Observances spread beyond the U.S. in 1990. The Earth Day Network, based in Washington, D.C., now collaborates with more than 150,000 partners and organizations in 192 countries.

Progress in China: About half of the new cars sold in China are electric.