Earth Day 2027
An annual day of action for the environment, first held in the United States in 1970 and now observed in more than 190 countries.
Quick facts
- Date
- April 22
- Day of the week
- Thursday in 2027
- Type
- International, Awareness
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1970
- Established by
- Senator Gaylord Nelson; organised by Denis Hayes
- Led by
- EARTHDAY.ORG
- Also known as
- International Mother Earth Day (UN)
- Hashtag
- #EarthDay
Overview
Earth Day, on April 22, is one of the largest civic observances in the world. People join clean-ups, plant trees, attend events and push for policies that protect nature and the climate.
The United Nations observes the same date as International Mother Earth Day, which it established in 2009.
History
US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed a national "teach-in" on the environment after a major oil spill off Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. Organised by Denis Hayes, the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, brought an estimated 20 million Americans onto streets, campuses and parks. It helped lead to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and landmark environmental laws.
In 1990 Earth Day went global, with events in 141 countries. In 2016 the Paris Agreement on climate change was signed at the United Nations on Earth Day.
- 1970The first Earth Day is held across the United States.
- 1990Earth Day goes global, with events in 141 countries.
- 2009The UN designates April 22 as International Mother Earth Day.
- 2016The Paris Agreement is signed at UN headquarters on Earth Day.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Plant a tree
Choose a native species and plant it with friends, family or a local group.
Join a clean-up
Collect litter in a park, beach or along a river.
Cut single-use plastic
Carry a bottle, a bag and a cup for a week and see what changes.
Switch to clean energy
Look into renewable electricity tariffs or solar options.
Speak up
Write to your local representative about an environmental issue you care about.
Quotes
In nature nothing exists alone.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
There is no planet B. 🌍 #EarthDay
Planted a tree today. What did you do for the Earth?
Our power, our planet. 🌱
Earth Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 22 | Wednesday | Passed |
| 2027 | April 22 | Thursday | 170 |
| 2028 | April 22 | Saturday | 536 |
| 2029 | April 22 | Sunday | 901 |
| 2030 | April 22 | Monday | 1,266 |
| 2031 | April 22 | Tuesday | 1,631 |
Frequently asked questions
When is Earth Day?
Every year on April 22.
Who founded Earth Day?
US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed it, and Denis Hayes organised the first Earth Day in 1970.
Is Earth Day the same as World Environment Day?
No. Earth Day is on April 22 and is coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG; World Environment Day is on June 5 and is led by the UN Environment Programme.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026