'Our Power, Our Planet': Earth Day 2025

Today, over a billion people worldwide will observe Earth Day. It celebrates the vibrant, fragile planet we call home. 

Each year, Earth Day organizers select a theme to raise awareness of a problem threatening the planet’s ecosystems or to encourage a search for solutions. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” It highlights the impact of renewable energy.

“2025 marks the 55th anniversary of EARTH DAY, and to honor this milestone, we are inviting our one billion supporters in 192 countries to unite behind renewable energy,” Earthday.org’s team wrote in a press release. The team added that the goal is to triple the global amount of clean energy produced by 2030. 

Earthday.org pointed to progress in solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and hydroelectric power. It predicts that 90% of the US’ energy needs could be met via renewable sources within the next 10 years. Currently, the US gets 25% of its energy from such sources. At present, over 40 countries rely on renewable energy to produce over half of their power supply. Iceland draws 99.99% of its energy from a mix of renewables. 

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then, the event has spread to more than 190 countries. It has led to landmark efforts in environmental protection. This includes the Paris Climate Accords. They were signed by 195 nations on Earth Day in 2016. Earth Day Week 2020 also inspired a series of protests and actions. It is widely believed to be the largest online mass mobilization of people in history. 

Reflect: What is something you think people your age could do to help take care of the world around them?

Photo of One World sign from Unsplash courtesy of Markus Spiske.