What associations usually arise with the date of April 22? In Soviet times, we would answer without hesitation: this is the birthday of Lenin, the dear leader of the revolution. But now completely different events and activities are associated with this date: April 22 is Earth Day, a day of gratitude to our planet, the day of unity of all earthlings.
The traditions of this holiday were laid down by Julius Sterling Morton in the 40s of the XIX century, when he, as secretary of the territory of the state of Nebraska, suggested choosing a special day in the year dedicated to landscaping. His idea was picked up by the public, and in 1872, state residents planted about a million trees. US youth and residents of other countries have supported this tradition.
In 1970, April 22, the first rally dedicated to Earth Day was held in the United States. It was so successful that soon Senator Gaylord Nelson organized a group of students from Harvard who entered the "headquarters" of the movement to protect the favorable climate on the planet and protect nature. Soon hundreds of schools joined this project, and the first 20 million support demonstration took place. "Earth Day organized itself," as Senator Nelson later said.
Already in 1971, Earth Day turned into "Earth Week" - an international event that began to be held every third week of April.
In 1990, World Earth Day was celebrated in 141 countries of the world, and climbers from the USA, China and the USSR timed their ascent to Everest precisely on the 20th anniversary of the holiday.
In 2009, it was decided at the UN General Assembly that henceforth and annually April 22 is World Earth Day. The resolution says that planet Earth is our large common home, which provides its inhabitants with everything necessary. The development of harmony with nature and the planet will achieve a fair balance between the environmental, economic and social needs of the current and future inhabitants of the planet.
Even in the UN resolution it is said that the concept of "Mother Earth" exists in the vocabulary of many nations. It reflects the connection between the planet and the human race. Therefore, the UN calls on all participating countries to celebrate Earth Day in order to maintain the already established good tradition.
On this day, in many corners of the planet, the bell of the world sounds, which calls on the entire population of the Earth to feel their community and make every effort to maintain peace and maintain the natural beauty of our amazing planet. The inscription on the bell says: "May there be peace in the whole world."
In many places on this festive day you can see the flag of the Earth - a photograph of the planet on a beautiful dark blue background. This picture was taken from the Apollo spacecraft on the way to the moon. Of course, this flag is not official, since there is no planetary state or government. But this flag expresses the unity of all the inhabitants of the planet, therefore it is often a symbol of many other international environmental, environmental and peacekeeping activities.
Another symbol of the holiday is the Greek letter "omega", painted in green on a clean white background.
Earth Day raised a wave of political and social activity, due to which many laws and acts on the protection of nature were adopted. In Russia and the CIS countries, this day is one of the days of protection from environmental hazards.
Every year, scientists around the world come together to discuss common global environmental issues. Under the auspices of Earth Day, exhibitions, conferences are organized, vehicle traffic is closed, trees are planted and garbage is being collected.
In Russia, traditionally, Earth Day hosts massive environmental events and actions to plant greenery in courtyards, streets, and squares.
On April 22, every resident with his good deeds can express appreciation and gratitude to our common home - mother Earth.