FORUM: “Our Power, Our Planet.” International Mother Earth Day 2025. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Earth Day movement. With climate variability impacting us all, there’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet. Everyone can make a difference in showcasing actions for the planet. For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in educating and mobilizing the public to take action to address critically important environmental issues. We are global advocates for the health of the planet, calling for the protection of our air, oceans, soil, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day. It is the catalyst for paradigm-shifting change because when individuals unite with a common purpose, they can overcome even the most entrenched systems and industries. As we approach this milestone, we celebrate a transformative reality: the solutions we need to create clean, inexpensive, and unlimited energy for the entire planet through renewable solar, wind and other technologies are within our reach. This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now
TRIPLE RENEWABLE GENERATION BY 2030
We are calling for renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030. The production and use of renewable energy transcends economic systems, political borders and political parties, demonstrating a universal appeal.
CONSIDER THESE REMARKABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY FACTS.
In 2023, the U.S. produced more solar power than ever before with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona leading the solar revolution. They are helping to produce the cheapest electricity in history. In the United States, Texas—long associated with oil production—now leads the nation in wind energy generation. The U.S. has used its existing drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy. California and Florida, polar opposites politically, are both at the forefront of the solar power boom; Across the U.S., solar capacity has grown over ten-fold in the last decade, and is poised to become the 2nd largest source of the U.S.’s generating capacity in the next few years. China and the U.S. (largely through the Inflation Reduction Act) are both making massive investments in renewable energy. China is currently leading the world in both wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world combined in 2024. Uruguay has transformed its energy sector, moving from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources; India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. Kenya is a leader in Africa, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of its electricity generation. Geothermal can be beneficial for the electrical grid, as it puts less strain on it and can help mitigate blackouts. Geothermal also emits 97% less acid rain-causing compounds and 99% less carbon dioxide. A third of all homes in Australia use solar power. In Brazil hydro-electric accounted for nearly 68% of its total electricity generation in 2023. In Italy hydro-electric accounts for 23% of the total electricity generation and is growing, and in Netherlands it accounts for 16%. In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines and by 2026, wind energy will power 30% of the electricity needs of Spain, 17% of the electricity needs of the Netherlands, and 23% of the electricity needs of Germany.
RENEWABLE ENERGY COSTS ARE PLUMMETING.
Over the past decade, the cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically, making them into one of the most affordable, and often the cheapest, form of electricity. Solar module prices fell by up to 93% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, the global weighted-average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV projects fell by 85%.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OPTING FOR CLEAN ENERGY.
Renewable energy can spark a humanitarian revolution – for the first time in history, we have a pathway to providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone. The per capita electricity usage of 3.8 billion people does not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning such usage is under 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)––the threshold for mitigating poverty. Renewable energy can transform this situation, thus improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes. Reducing air pollution caused from the burning of fossil fuels can significantly lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. Women are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution and water contamination with these threats linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian diseases, and complications with maternal health. Decreased greenhouse gas emissions help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and the spread of infectious diseases. Mental health can be improved by reducing the stress and anxiety linked to pollution, climate change, noise pollution, and environmental disasters. Reducing water pollution and improving water quality can significantly lower the risk of waterborne diseases. Lowering the health care costs associated with pollution-related diseases can ease the strain put on healthcare systems and reduce medical expenses
THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY.
This profound and fast-moving transition to renewable energy isn’t just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic revolution. It will drive innovation across industry, transportation, and agriculture, spurring more technological advancements and creating millions of new jobs and opportunities, globally. According to the 13th National Solar Jobs Census released in 2022, there are 263,883 solar energy workers across the U.S, working to manufacture, install, distribute, and carry out maintenance, marking a 3.5% growth in solar jobs compared to 2021. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity and will create 14 million new jobs globally. In 2023, renewable energy, worldwide, was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. Investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act can collectively save U.S families $27-$38 billion, between 2022 and 2030.
RENEWABLE ENERGY REDUCES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.
“Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air.”
Switching to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions because renewables generate electricity without producing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. In contrast, fossil fuels are major emitters of greenhouse gases and thus are primary contributors to global warming. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration in 2023, petroleum accounted for roughly 38% of U.S. energy consumption and was responsible for 47% of U.S energy-related CO2 emissions. Natural gas accounted for 36% of energy use and contributed to 37% of these emissions. Coal accounted for around 9% of energy consumption and 16% of energy-related CO2 emissions.
THE POWER OF EARTH DAY MOVEMENT IS UNSTOPPABLE.
The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. It’s the collective voice of concerned citizens that pushes governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action. By engaging in community initiatives, participating in local and national elections with renewable energy in mind, and making sustainable choices in daily life, individuals are the catalysts for change. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all. This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all. Support and adopt the rapid transition to renewable energy sources now, be it solar, wind, hydro-electric, tidal or geothermal. From Governments, to global industry and local businesses, from unions, to schools, religious leaders, to civil society, families and individuals. Whether you are a town mayor, a trade union boss, a CEO, a banker, an artist, farmer, fisherman, teacher, or firefighter – the true power of this revolution lies in the hands of individuals like you. People power is the driving force behind this transformation. In 2025, as Earth Day movement turns 55, join us as we embrace a powerful, renewable future. It’s Our Power, it’s Our Planet.
Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EarthActionDay, #OurPowerOurPlanet, #EarthDay2025, #22april.
EVENTS: April 22nd will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The theme of Earth Day this year is focusing on renewable energy and climate action.192 countries and over one billion people around the globe are expected to participate, demonstrating the longstanding convening power of Earth Day to bring people from all walks of life to work together for a better future. Navigate the Earth Day 2025 Network Global Event Map to effortlessly discover nearby initiatives – simply input your location and explore a world of impactful opportunities. Explore the map of events and Register to Participate!
On Thursday, March 6; 2025; Starting at 11:15 AM CST. We will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth”.
Every year, we look for new ways to activate and empower people to join the Earth Day movement,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “This year, we’re excited to have Antonique Smith as official Earth Day Ambassador. Her passion and platform will inspire and motivate individuals to take action—no matter how big or small. Together, we will send a clear message to our elected leaders that we love Earth and will protect it.
EVENTS: April 22nd will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The theme of Earth Day this year is focusing on renewable energy and climate action.192 countries and over one billion people around the globe are expected to participate, demonstrating the longstanding convening power of Earth Day to bring people from all walks of life to work together for a better future. Navigate the Earth Day 2025 Network Global Event Map to effortlessly discover nearby initiatives – simply input your location and explore a world of impactful opportunities. Explore the map of events and Register to Participate!
On Thursday, March 6; 2025; Starting at 11:15 AM CST. We will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth”.
On Sunday, March 9, at 2 PM CST, in Houston will be lead a Climate Revival concert.
On Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM CST. You are invited to participate in the March for Future Generations.
On April 19th, at 10:00 AM; You are invited to join the massive beach cleanup in Santa Monica, in collaboration, with Heal the Bay, EARTHDAY.ORG partners. Volunteers will cleanup washed up trash. At 2:00 PM. The Earth Day 2025 ambassador will hold a speech to motivate participant in cleanup effort.
On April 22nd for Earth Day, Ms.Antonique Smith will perform “Love Song to the Earth” live in Times Square, NYC, at 12:00 PM EST, in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG partners, OMMM and the Good News Planet.
ACTIVITIES: As we prepare for Earth Day 2025, here’s how we’re mobilizing communities, organizations, and individuals worldwide to:
- Drive local climate action.
- Mobilize students for Earth Action Day.
- Integrate Climate Education into schools curricula to empower future generations.
- Participate to the Great Global Cleanup.
- Plant trees
- Share your Earth Action on social media, and encourage others to get involved.
STATEMENTS:
Statement by Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity on International Mother Earth Day 2025; April 22nd.
Today is International Mother Earth Day: an opportunity to reflect on nature and the many ways in which it is perceived and celebrated by people around the world. Mother Earth is life-giving, nurturing, complex and beautiful. Indigenous peoples and local communities, including youth, women and children, have lived in harmony with Mother Earth for millennia. But today they are among those most affected by the environmental crises afflicting the planet. The practices and innovations of indigenous peoples and local communities constitute a wealth of traditional knowledge that is crucial for global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to address climate change. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—the KMGBF, adopted at COP 15 in Montreal in December 2022— acknowledges indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. The KMGBF has four overarching goals: protect and restore nature, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature. At the recently concluded COP 16, La COP de la gente, the Parties adopted a new subsidiary body on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and other provisions that will elevate the role and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities to new heights. COP 16 also adopted a new and ambitious Programme of Work aligned with the KMGBF with the aim of advancing the implementation of Article 8(j) and related provisions of the Convention. The full implementation of the 23 action targets of the KMGBF by 2030, through a global mosaic of national and local whole-of-government, whole-of-society endeavors, will take the world closer to living in harmony with nature. We owe this to nature and to all people on Earth. Today and every day, let us reflect on and act for Mother Earth: humanity's precious common home and the foundation of our common future.
Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
CAMPAIGN: Clean energy + people power = real change.
Act now — make smart energy choices for your family and demand rapid renewable energy deployment from your governments, industries, and businesses. Let's unite this April 22nd! Every action counts.
COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:There’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet. Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise; Get the Poster!
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