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SAVING THE PLANET

When is Earth Day 2021 and what is this year’s theme?

EARTH Day has rolled around once again as people across the globe celebrate and raise awareness for protecting the planet.

With a theme of Restore Our Earth in 2021, organisers and scientists across the world are calling for people to rally online to help fight issues facing the world.

The theme this year for Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth
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The theme this year for Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our EarthCredit: AFP or licensors

When is Earth Day 2021?

Earth Day 2021 is TODAY as it falls on April 22 every year.

The day is celebrated by an estimated one billion people around the world across more than 190 nations.

The theme in 2021 is Restore the Earth with events taking place online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Events though take place over three days from April 20.

This year it kicks off with a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising and will feature Greta Thunberg, amongst others.

It also features a Hip Hop Caucus which will present the “We Shall Breathe” virtual summit.

It was celebrated for the first time in 1970.

A woman hugs a tree in a a deserted park to mark Earth Day
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A woman hugs a tree in a deserted park to mark Earth DayCredit: EPA

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day was set up to tackle environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

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.

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."

Earth Day led to the set up of environmental laws and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

It has now gone on to become a globally recognised event, after initially being created with the purpose of teaching environmentalism.

The event draws in top environmentalists and scientists  with the aim of making Earth a better place.

What is the theme this year?

This year's theme is 'Restore Our Earth' and the focus is on natural processes, green technologies and restoring the world's ecosystems.

Trees will be planted, recycling, avoiding pollution, among others.

The website has shared numerous activities and ideas on its .

Throughout his political career, Senator Gaylord Nelson was known for his environmental work
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Throughout his political career, Senator Gaylord Nelson was known for his environmental workCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who was Gaylord Nelson?

Gaylord Nelson was an American politician from Wisconsin who served as senator and the 35th Governor of Wisconsin.

Throughout his political career, he became known for his work as an environmentalist.

He was instrumental in President John F Kennedy making a national speaking tour in support of conservation issues.

Senator Nelson was also an advocate for small businesses, working to improve the way small businesses were regulated by federal agencies.

In 1995, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his environmental work.

Students and their teacher in China show off their clay work to mark Earth Day
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Students and their teacher in China show off their clay work to mark Earth DayCredit: Rex Features

How is Earth Day celebrated around the world?

Around the world, people are mobilised to partake in activities which work in favour of the environment.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Earth Day will follow on with a digital programme as it did in 2020.

Kathleen Rogers, the President of Earth Day Network, said: "For over half a century, hundreds of millions of people from around the globe have taken political and volunteer action on Earth Day, yet multiple accelerating environmental and health crises continue to envelop our planet, impacting everyone but particularly the poor and vulnerable who live among us.

"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."

EarthDay.org is encouraging people to tune in to , as well as getting involved on Twitter using the hashtag #EarthDay2021.

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