Earth Day 2020: What's Going On?

This Wednesday, April 22, is the 50th annual Earth Day. The environmental movement currently finds itself trying to keep the conversation around climate change alive while existing in a Covid-19 world. What we are seeing with the coronavirus is that the most vulnerable groups, the poor, undocumented, people of color, etc., are being disproportionately affected. Climate change has already done the same thing (ClimateReality, PBS). How we respond to crises like the coronavirus and climate change determine if we emerge more just and equitable, or if we continue to support systems of inequality and oppression.

Climate activists around the world had planned for huge demonstrations and people power, but if we can't do that, then we'll do the next best thing: come together virtually! I urge everyone who is capable (mentally, physically, tech-wise, etc.) to tune into a virtual gathering even if just for a few minutes. It's really difficult to accept, but the coronavirus is not the last crisis we will see in our lifetimes and we have to put the work in now before it's too late to mitigate climate change.

So! Where should you go with that sad/empowering sentiment? Here are some of the Earth Day celebrations happening (everything is linked in the title):

Earth Day Network: Livestream + Challenges

This organization determines the theme of Earth Day and has set this one as Climate Action. They are streaming 24 hours of action on their website on April 22, and they have a map of local events from across the world.

Plus, Earth Day Network has an Earth Challenge meant to engage people in the collection of various kinds of data- which is really fucking cool and they have an app. If that's not enough, they have 22 Days of Earth Day which is 22 challenges/activities from just talking to someone to going zero waste for a day!

US Climate Strikes: 3-day event

Runs from Wed to Friday. This is definitely the largest youth organized event on this list. The organizers of this virtual event represent hundreds of organizations from across the country. There's the main live stream that includes celebs like AOC, Cody Simpson, and Al Gore ( 😍) and has local live streams as well.

IF YOU LIVE IN MAINE!!!!

We are also doing a 3-day live stream! It ends with a climate forum of the candidates running to unseat Susan Collins in the U.S. senate. Get more info and sign up here! Maine Youth for Climate Justice, Maine Climate Strikes, and Sunrise Maine, plus more youth organizations put this event together!

Fridays For Future: 24-hour live stream on Youtube

On Friday, the 24th, the FFF live stream will include scientists and activists from around the world. If we're lucky, we'll hear from Greta Thunberg herself, who inspired the FFF movement!

Last Animals Foundation: Live panel and film screenings

Focusing on the illegal wildlife trade, this Earth Day event features activists, scientists, and filmmakers. Their panels are Confronting Extinction and Impacts of Illegal Wildlife Markets.

The film, The Last Animals, follows the extinction of rhinos and elephants due to illegal trading:

Maine Specific Events:

1. Maine Youth: As mentioned above, Maine Strikes, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, and Sunrise Maine (plus others!) are hosting a three-day virtual event. The first day focuses on protesting, the second on divestment, and the third is a candidate forum with Senate Candidates. Some events are only for youth, but most are open to all!

2. Maine Conservation Voters and Maine Audubon: Join them for a full day of workshops, concerts, films, and more!

3. Earth Day Network: The map lists other events in Maine from various groups.

In conclusion, there are a ton of ways to get engaged this Earthday! If none of the options above work for you, you can always watch a documentary (Chasing Coral, Food Inc, Our Planet, End of the Line) with your family, cook a meatless meal, turn off all the lights for an hour, or learn something new. The real point is that we don't lose sight of how our health and the environment's are inseparable. These are difficult times, remember to practice kindness and patience.

Happy Earthday,

Dianna