– Thought Leaders and celebrities join one billion citizens worldwide to take action for Earth Day
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – More than one billion people globally will observe the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, taking part in events and rallying to call for action on climate change.
Earth Day Network, the international nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities globally and its partners are driving action through park clean-ups, climate petition drives, meetings with locally elected officials and much more. In Washington, D.C., members of Congress and leaders from the faith, labour, civil rights and business communities will gather on the National Mall for a 40th anniversary event.
Around the world, Earth Day Network and its partners are orchestrating large events in New York City, NY; Rabat, Morocco; Kolkata, India; Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan for Earth Day.
“In 1970, 20 million people poured into the streets on the first Earth Day to demand environmental change and truly launch the modern environmental movement,” said Denis Hayes, Global Chair Earth Day 2010 and the first Earth Day organizer.
“Now Earth Day has become a global phenomenon with extraordinary influence to harness  the voices of millions and shape environmental policy in the U.S. and worldwide.”
“Earth Day’s 40th anniversary promises to be the largest yet and the climate issue gives it greater urgency,” said Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network. “The world is focused on topics such as climate change and how we want to shape our environmental future to bring about green jobs, renewable energy and a new green economy.”
In Washington, D.C., the epicenter for the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day events on the National Mall will once again act as a rallying point for the nation. Activities for Earth Week conclude with The Climate Rally on April 25, when global thought leaders, elected officials, Olympic athletes and celebrities including NFL player and television personality, Dhani Jones; AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka; film director, James Cameron; Olympic gold medalist, Billy Demong; producer, Trudie Styler; Reverend Jesse Jackson; author, Margaret Atwood and many more will bring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the issue of climate change to an international stage.
“The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is an opportunity that we must seize to bring the issue of climate change and clean energy to the forefront of the U.S. legislative agenda,” said Rogers. “We must harness the Earth Day moment to reinvigorate the environmental movement and drive actions that will solve climate change and protect the planet for future generations.”