Earth Day is being observed worldwide today. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970. The idea for Earth Day was proposed by then-Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. After seeing the damage done by a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara in California, Nelson was inspired to organize a national “teach-in” that focused on educating the public about the environment. Rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects are organized worldwide on this day.
On the occasion of Earth Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is the perfect occasion to reaffirm our commitment to keep our Planet clean, green & focus on sustainable development.
He added that we belong to a culture that believes in the Mantra that “Earth is our Mother and we are her children.” He also said that caring for the environment is an integral part of our ethos and India can truly show the way to the world in mitigating climate change.