Every year on April 22 communities across the globe band together to celebrate the place we all call home, the Earth. This day is dedicated to the movement of protecting and appreciating our planet, as well as promoting environmental awareness. First celebrated in 1970, founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it has since grown into a worldwide event coordinated by EarthDay.org, and engages billions of people and hundreds of countries.
Each year Earth Day is celebrated with a specific theme, this year being “Our Power, Our Planet”. This theme is meant to focus on the power that people have every day to make a change and positive impact on our planet.
“Our Power, Our Planet” reminds us that protecting the environment isn’t just about one leader, organization, or government. It is about everyday people who take local, collective, actions to care for the places they live and work,” said Lee Franklin, Mobilizeu Coordinator at Earthday.org
This theme encourages individuals to realize that their daily actions may seem small but build up over time and can create a change. Climate change and global warming are serious issues that our Earth is facing and may seem impossible to combat by oneself. However, this theme represents that it is not about massive changes at once, but instead about the consistent efforts of individuals that make a true difference.
“If our leaders or government are not prioritizing the environment, we will still organize our communities to do what we can right now to push our leaders to deliver a better future,” said Franklin.
Earth Day may mark only one day on the calendar, but its message expands far beyond April 22. To make a true difference in protecting our planet, consistent action and awareness are necessary. Through education on the importance of environmental efforts and sustainability, individuals are able to identify how they can make daily efforts towards a healthier and happier earth.
“Each year, Earth Day draws millions of eyes around the globe, serving as a powerful reminder that we are all stewards of the Earth, all relying on this shared home to survive and thrive,” said Franklin.
For those looking to partake in environmental efforts to participate in the Earth Day celebrations, EarthDay.org serves as a great resource to find events near you. Here individuals are able to find local and community events and also register events such as trash clean-ups they would like to host.
“You can find events near your community on the Earth Day Map on the Earthday.org website,” said Franklin. “Our partners are working across the globe to organize rallies, teach-ins, town-halls, cleanups, tree-plantings and more, all of which will be shown on the Earth Day Map,”.
The EarthDay.org website serves as a platform for not only hosting and finding events but also has many resources for environmental education. Providing numerous articles, fact sheets and inspiration for individual actions that one can take to leave a greener footprint on this earth.
The 2026 Earth Day theme serves as a reminder that while environmental challenges may seem overwhelming, the power of change lies within communities and individuals’ effort and dedication. As Earth Day 2026 shows, our choices shape the future, our voices inspire change, and our power protects the planet.
Sonya Skar is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
