Earth Day, the world's largest environmental campaign, is taking place over three days this week - with an estimated one billion people taking action to protect the planet.
Since its inception in 1970, the event has been celebrated every year in April - with organisers and scientists across the world calling for people to come together to help protect the earth and its future.
The event was set up by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
Its creation was founded on one main goal - to tackle environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.
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Amid the pandemic, many of this year's events will take place online following an entirely virtual programme in 2020.
Here, LADbible takes a look at everything you need to know about the annual event...
When is Earth Day?
The coronavirus pandemic has again affected Earth Day, starting with ten hours of online programming planned starting at 2pm, (BST) on 22 April.
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It coincides with the climate summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden, which will also be live-streamed.
The day is celebrated by an estimated one billion people around the world across more than 190 nations.
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The theme in 2021 is Restore the Earth with events taking place online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year it kicks off with a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising and will feature Greta Thunberg, amongst others.
It will also feature a Hip Hop Caucus which will present the "We Shall Breathe" virtual summit.
What is it happening?
Earth Day was set up to tackle environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.
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The event was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
Senator Nelson decided to take action to push back against the destruction of Earth.
It has now gone on to become a globally recognised event, after initially being created with the purpose of teaching environmentalism.
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Earth Day's website states: "Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution."
What is this year's theme?
The theme of this year's Earth Day is "Restore Our Earth".
The organisation said: "We'll cover natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world's ecosystems."
Other topics will include:
- Climate and environmental literacy
- Climate restoration technologies
- Reforestation efforts
- Regenerative agriculture
- Equity and environmental justice
- Citizen science
- Cleanups
How is Earth Day celebrated around the world?
Around the world, people are mobilised to partake in activities that work in favour of the environment.
These include planting trees, recycling, avoiding pollution, among others.
The website has shared numerous activities and ideas on its resources page.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Earth Day will follow on with a digital programme as it did in 2020.
Kathleen Rogers, the President of Earth Day Network, said: "On behalf of the one billion people who will take part in Earth Day this year, even in the midst of a second year of the pandemic.
"We demand that the talking stop and that governments and corporations commit to net-zero emissions by 2040 with an interim goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.
"Anything less will deprive our children of their right to inherit a habitable planet."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Greta Thunberg
