What Is Earth Day?

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is the world’s largest environmental movement. This global event unites over one billion people across 192 countries to raise awareness and take action to protect the environment. Since its first observance in 1970, Earth Day has played a crucial role in driving positive change for our planet, including the establishment of key environmental protections.

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The History of Earth Day

Over the past 55 years, Earth Day has transformed from a U.S.-focused event into a worldwide movement. What started as a response to a major oil spill in California in 1969 has grown into a global celebration of the Earth, promoting support for clean air, water, and energy. Earth Day helps teach and inspire communities to make lasting changes.

What is the Theme for Earth Day 2025?

The theme for Earth Day 2025, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,‘ focuses on the urgent need for renewable energy. As we mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, the movement is rallying people to triple global renewable energy generation by 2030. By doing so, we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

Renewable energy is now within reach, with advances in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power offering cleaner, more affordable energy solutions. Countries like the U.S., China, and Uruguay are already leading the way with impressive renewable energy achievements. As these technologies grow, they will create countless opportunities for jobs, innovation, and a cleaner planet.

Here in Spain, the day serves as a reminder of the country’s growing investment in clean energy. While solar power continues to gain momentum, especially in sunny regions like Almeria and Murcia, it’s wind power that leads the way in Spain.

Wind Power in Spain

Wind power is now the leading source of renewable energy in Spain, supplying over 23% of the country’s electricity in 2023, more than any other green energy source. With more than 30,000 megawatts of installed capacity, Spain ranks among the top nations worldwide in wind energy. The country has a strong track record in this area, becoming the first in the world to make wind its main source of electricity back in 2013.

By 2020, it had already installed over 27 gigawatts of wind capacity, and in 2023 alone, its wind farms produced more than 60 terawatt-hours of clean electricity. Wind power now makes up about a quarter of Spain’s total energy capacity, thanks to consistent investment and favourable conditions across much of the country.

Spain also ranks third globally for the percentage of electricity it generates from wind. Looking to the future, the country aims to significantly grow its renewable energy capacity by 2030, with floating offshore wind farms expected to play a big role due to Spain’s long coastline. Although onshore wind farms are widely accepted, offshore wind projects have sparked more public debate.

Wind energy is not only helping to cut emissions and support climate goals, but it’s also boosting the economy by creating jobs and reducing electricity bills. Spain is currently upgrading older wind farms through ‘repowering’ programs, replacing older turbines with more efficient models.

For wind power to continue growing, Spain must make sure the electricity grid can manage large wind energy volumes, especially during off-peak hours, while keeping costs low and protecting the environment.

The Economic and Health Benefits of Renewable Energy

Adopting renewable energy isn’t just an environmental necessity, it’s an economic game-changer. The cost of solar panels and wind turbines continues to drop, and clean energy is becoming more accessible. Countries are investing in renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprints while improving energy security. The transition to clean energy can lower healthcare costs, reduce pollution-related diseases, and create a healthier environment for all.

Earth Day’s Impact: Grassroots Action and Global Change

As people come together, they can drive governments, corporations, and communities to make meaningful commitments to renewable energy and sustainability. Whether you are a local mayor, teacher, business owner, or just a concerned citizen, your voice matters. This grassroots movement demonstrates the power of people working together for a cleaner, healthier planet.

How You Can Make a Difference

Why not take action where you live? In Spain, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You can join local clean-up events, volunteer with environmental groups like SEO/BirdLife, Greenpeace España, or local conservation projects in your area. Many towns also run tree-planting days or beach clean-ups that welcome volunteers. Check out the town hall social media in your area, they will share details of these events there.

Supporting renewable energy is just as important, whether that means choosing a green electricity plan for your home, installing solar panels, or backing policies that promote wind and solar power. Even simple changes, like using less plastic, driving less, or recycling properly, make a difference when we all do them together.

To find events and ideas, check out EarthDay.org for tips and opportunities to get involved. And we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, your Earth Day plans, or suggestions for how others can help. Leave a comment, join the conversation, and let’s inspire each other to do more for the planet, not just on Earth Day, but every day.

Main image: Pixabay/satheeshsankaran