April 2020 marks 50 years since Earth Day was established to shed light on the global environmental decline phenomenon. Today, our world is facing one of the most challenging periods of our generation. The news cycle can be a source of confusion and anxiety for many of us, with ‘uncertainty’ truly being the only certainty. April brings on Spring for many around the world and Earth Day for all, and this year more than ever we need good news, the celebration of progress, and above all hope. 

 This Earth Month we’re celebrating our beautiful planet and all of the incredible life it sustains.  While we get grounded both literally and figuratively as the world hits pause to focus on the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important now more than ever to acknowledge that our work isn’t done, our work must not stop and most importantly, to appreciate how far we’ve come. Progress is often overlooked so this year, let’s take inspiration from our journey so when life as we know it resumes and our world is set back into motion, we’re ready to act. 

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, let’s focus on progress and hope. Let’s think about how modest actions can turn into movements and remember gradual progress matters.  

 Five decades later, here are five reasons Earth Day was started: