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It all started with two people who had an idea—they took to the streets and led a movement that quickly united 20 million Americans behind one powerful cause: protecting the Earth. By 1990, Earth Day had expanded into a global event, sparking action from over 200 million people across 141 countries.
Since going global, Canada has embraced Earth Day with initiatives like community cleanups, tree plantings, climate marches, and youth education programs. The day aligns with the values of many Canadians, including Indigenous communities, who have long worked toward sustainability, environmental justice, and respect for nature.
Each year, Earth Day is assigned a theme. This year’s is “Our Power, Our Planet”—a global call to transition to clean energy. The theme highlights the urgent need to triple global renewable electricity generation by 2030, by expanding the use of solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power—all of which are readily available across Canada.
Transitioning to clean energy is not just an environmental issue—it creates green jobs, improves public health, promotes equity, and supports rural and Indigenous communities. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can slow climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve ecosystems for future generations.
Some may have forgotten the meaning of Earth Day, or question its relevance today—but it’s more important than ever. Canada faces major environmental challenges like melting Arctic ice, wildfires, floods, and pollution. Earth Day is a chance to start meaningful conversations about our environment and what we can do to protect it.
Across Canada, individuals and communities are celebrating Earth Day by:
- Cleaning up parks and shorelines
- Planting native trees and pollinator-friendly gardens
- Walking, biking, or taking public transit
- Using eco-friendly and sustainable products
- Organizing school projects and neighbourhood events
- Preparing Earth-friendly meals using local ingredients
- Hosting recycling drives and plastic-free challenges
If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day, Port Rowan is hosting an Earth Day event at Birds Canada from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Enjoy a free screening of Later is Too Late, gardening demonstrations, a guided walk, plant sale, and local conservation vendors.
Remember—you don’t need to be a superhero to help the planet. Even small actions—like turning off lights, planting flowers for pollinators, or reducing single-use plastics—can make a big impact.
Written by Georgia Chambers