Can our generation make Earth Day cool again? (Bonus from What On Earth)
Apr 22, 2024
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OG organizer Denis Hayes shares the radical history of Earth Day, urging the next generation of climate leaders. Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana suggest reinventing Earth Day as a public holiday, sparking new environmental activism.
Earth Day started as a radical movement in 1970, urging today's activists to return to its foundational spirit.
The next generation of climate leaders seeks to redefine Earth Day with public holiday celebrations and inclusive actions.
Deep dives
The Radical Origins of Earth Day
The podcast delves into the history of Earth Day, starting from its inception in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Dennis Hayes, a key figure in organizing the first Earth Day, reflects on the environmental teach-ins that marked the day's beginning. The episode highlights the transformative impact of Earth Day in uniting various environmental causes into a cohesive movement that led to significant policy changes, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Changing Faces of Climate Activism
The podcast shifts focus to the evolving landscape of climate activism, contrasting the environmental issues of the past with the current global challenges. Dennis Hayes discusses the earlier localized environmental concerns and how today's activists tackle broader, science-driven issues like climate change. The younger generation's commitment to global citizenship and social media activism signals a resurgence in environmental advocacy reminiscent of the 1960s.
Empowering Future Earth Day Celebrations
Looking towards the future, the podcast envisions a more inclusive and action-oriented Earth Day in 2050. Guests Axel Campana and Maria Blancas share their hopes for extended Earth Day celebrations, involving intergenerational collaborations and community-driven solutions. They emphasize the importance of accessible civic engagement, policy reforms, and sustaining investments in marginalized communities to address pressing climate challenges.
The climate is changing. So are we. On What On Earth, you’ll explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. More than five decades later, is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots?
OG organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – his team persuaded roughly one in ten Americans to take to the streets. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his singular piece of advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a reinspired Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday.