PURPOSE: First held on April 22, 1970, it now features a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earth Day Network, including one billion people in more than 193 countries. Earth Day is an opportunity for communities to come together and get outside to enjoy and help protect their favorite places. It can also inspire visitors to public lands to make a difference in the world by learning about and taking care of our natural resources. The public plays a vital role in helping to support a healthy planet with resilient national forests and grasslands, clean air and water, diverse wildlife habitats, and opportunities to recreate outdoors in a natural environment. The International Mother Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd to “raise global public awareness of the challenges to the well-being of the planet and all the life it supports’, “recognize a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the Earth”, and “achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of the present and future generations of humanity”.

FORUM: "Our Power, Our Planet" International Mother Earth Day 2026. This year’s theme is reflecting a fundamental truth: environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. It’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work. At a moment of heightened uncertainty and environmental stress, one conclusion is clear and broadly shared: progress in protecting our land, air, and water is real, resilient, and ongoing. The theme reflects a fundamental truth that transcends political cycles. Environmental stewardship has never depended on a single administration, institution, or election. It is sustained by the daily decisions of people who understand that protecting the places where they live and work is both a responsibility and a long-term investment. Earth Day 2026 affirms that the capacity to address environmental challenges is firmly established. Progress is happening across communities through local leadership, pragmatic solutions, and cross-sector collaboration. The campaign focuses on community-led action for climate resilience, clean energy, and protecting public health. Events, including beach cleanups and park restoration, are occurring throughout April, with major activities slated for Earth Week. Our Power, Our Planet is not a political statement. It is a commitment to stewardship, resilience, and shared accountability — a call for every individual, community, and sector to exercise their power in service of the planet we all depend on. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EarthActionDay, #OurPowerOurPlanet, #EarthDay2026, #22april.

TRIPLE RENEWABLE GENERATION BY 2030: We are calling for renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030. The production and use of renewable energy transcends economic systems, political borders and political parties, demonstrating a universal appeal.

CONSIDER THESE REMARKABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY FACTS: In 2023, the U.S. produced more solar power than ever before with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona leading the solar revolution. They are helping to produce the cheapest electricity in history. In the United States, Texas—long associated with oil production—now leads the nation in wind energy generation. The U.S. has used its existing drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy. California and Florida, polar opposites politically, are both at the forefront of the solar power boom; Across the U.S., solar capacity has grown over ten-fold in the last decade, and is poised to become the 2nd largest source of the U.S.’s generating capacity in the next few years. China and the U.S. (largely through the Inflation Reduction Act) are both making massive investments in renewable energy. China is currently leading the world in both wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world combined in 2024. Uruguay has transformed its energy sector, moving from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources; India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. Kenya is a leader in Africa, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of its electricity generation. Geothermal can be beneficial for the electrical grid, as it puts less strain on it and can help mitigate blackouts. Geothermal also emits 97% less acid rain-causing compounds and 99% less carbon dioxide. A third of all homes in Australia use solar power. In Brazil hydro-electric accounted for nearly 68% of its total electricity generation in 2023. In Italy hydro-electric accounts for 23% of the total electricity generation and is growing, and in Netherlands it accounts for 16%. In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines and by 2026, wind energy will power 30% of the electricity needs of Spain, 17% of the electricity needs of the Netherlands, and 23% of the electricity needs of Germany.

RENEWABLE ENERGY COSTS ARE PLUMMETING: Over the past decade, the cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically, making them into one of the most affordable, and often the cheapest, form of electricity. Solar module prices fell by up to 93% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, the global weighted-average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV projects fell by 85%.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OPTING FOR CLEAN ENERGY: Renewable energy can spark a humanitarian revolution – for the first time in history, we have a pathway to providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone. The per capita electricity usage of 3.8 billion people does not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning such usage is under 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)––the threshold for mitigating poverty. Renewable energy can transform this situation, thus improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes. Reducing air pollution caused from the burning of fossil fuels can significantly lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. Women are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution and water contamination with these threats linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian diseases, and complications with maternal health. Decreased greenhouse gas emissions help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and the spread of infectious diseases. Mental health can be improved by reducing the stress and anxiety linked to pollution, climate change, noise pollution, and environmental disasters. Reducing water pollution and improving water quality can significantly lower the risk of waterborne diseases. Lowering the health care costs associated with pollution-related diseases can ease the strain put on healthcare systems and reduce medical expenses

THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY: This profound and fast-moving transition to renewable energy isn’t just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic revolution. It will drive innovation across industry, transportation, and agriculture, spurring more technological advancements and creating millions of new jobs and opportunities, globally. According to the 13th National Solar Jobs Census released in 2022, there are 263,883 solar energy workers across the U.S, working to manufacture, install, distribute, and carry out maintenance, marking a 3.5% growth in solar jobs compared to 2021. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity and will create 14 million new jobs globally. In 2023, renewable energy, worldwide, was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. Investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act can collectively save U.S families $27-$38 billion, between 2022 and 2030.

RENEWABLE ENERGY REDUCES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: “Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air.” Switching to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions because renewables generate electricity without producing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. In contrast, fossil fuels are major emitters of greenhouse gases and thus are primary contributors to global warming. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration in 2023, petroleum accounted for roughly 38% of U.S. energy consumption and was responsible for 47% of U.S energy-related CO2 emissions. Natural gas accounted for 36% of energy use and contributed to 37% of these emissions. Coal accounted for around 9% of energy consumption and 16% of energy-related CO2 emissions.

THE POWER OF EARTH DAY MOVEMENT IS UNSTOPPABLE: The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. It’s the collective voice of concerned citizens that pushes governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action. By engaging in community initiatives, participating in local and national elections with renewable energy in mind, and making sustainable choices in daily life, individuals are the catalysts for change. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all. This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all. Support and adopt the rapid transition to renewable energy sources now, be it solar, wind, hydro-electric, tidal or geothermal. From Governments, to global industry and local businesses, from unions, to schools, religious leaders, to civil society, families and individuals. Whether you are a town mayor, a trade union boss, a CEO, a banker, an artist, farmer, fisherman, teacher, or firefighter – the true power of this revolution lies in the hands of individuals like you. People power is the driving force behind this transformation. In 2025, as Earth Day movement turns 55, join us as we embrace a powerful, renewable future. It’s Our Power, it’s Our Planet.

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EarthActionDay, #OurPowerOurPlanet, #EarthDay2025, #22april.

EVENTS: On Wednesday, April 22nd, a virtual event will be held with the theme "Our Power, Our Planet" to mark the International Mother Earth Day 2026 and to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Earth Day movement. Please Register to participate and watch the Earth Day Live: America’s Cities Are Stepping Up on Climate. Across the United States, cities are driving real climate progress at the local level, expanding clean energy, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing public health and environmental justice. At a time when federal climate funding is being rolled back or restructured, municipal leaders are adapting in real time by reprioritizing investments, leveraging public-private partnerships, and identifying innovative financing pathways to sustain progress and protect community outcomes. This Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG and Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) convene three municipal leaders turning climate commitments into measurable, community-focused outcomes. The panel explores how cities deliver fiscally responsible solutions, leverage partnerships, and build resilience through local policy, financing, and collaboration. From its origins in 1970 as a mass civic movement, Earth Day’s legacy continues today in cities, where local leaders drive practical, accountable climate action. Across the United States, cities are proving that meaningful climate and environmental progress can begin at the local level. Municipal leaders are achieving outcomes that improve daily life for residents, from expanding clean energy and strengthening resilient infrastructure to protecting public health and advancing environmental justice.

Worldwide celebrations: With over 10,000 events, the 2026 Event Map shows the community power taking place across the globe. Join us for Earth Day 2026 activities on Saturday, April 18th, and continue the momentum through Earth Day on April 22nd -- and beyond.

STATEMENTS: Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Mother Earth Day 2026; April 22nd and the Statement by Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity on International Mother Earth Day 2026; April 22nd. 

PODCASTS: The Day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity's common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity. There’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet. Mother Earth Day is clearly urging a call to action - a need to shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Our world needs transformational change. It’s time for the world to hold sectors accountable for their role in our environmental crisis while also calling for bold, creative, and innovative solutions. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Let's unite this April 22nd because Every action counts. Protecting the planet is everyone's responsibility. Change starts with action. Better yet, an action that affects the world around you. A Billion Acts of Green are happening across the planet. From students in classrooms to organizers in their communities to officials in government there are ways for anyone of any background to make a difference. Use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise; Get the Poster - "Our Power, Our Planet." and other communication materials!