Earth Day 2019: when is it and 5 ways you can help reduce global warming
Magical hard coral reef showing signs of minor coral bleaching (Picture: Getty) Today (22 April) is..
Today (22 April) is Earth Day, now in its 49th year.
It is an annual event that takes place across the world to help tackle the problems that are affecting the environment, which involves holding specific events and activities.
The mission behind the campaign is to build the worlds largest environmental movement and more than 200 million people have got involved across more than 190 countries.
What is Earth Day, how can you get involved and what can you do to help global warming? Keep reading to find out all you need to know.
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day has taken place every year on 22 April since 1970 and this year is no different.
Typically, it wouldnt coincide with Easter but owing to a later Easter this year, Earth Day falls on Easter Monday.
What is this years Earth Day theme?
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The theme of Earth Day 2019 is Protect Our Species.
Their website lists bees, coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, insects and whales as just a few of the species under threat.
This years campaign urges people to take action to slow down the rate of extinction of these species by raising awareness while encouraging people to take individual actions such as cutting out meat and stopping pesticide and herbicide use.
What can I do for Earth Day?
You can download the Earth Day toolkit from their website which is packed with ideas and resources for events organisers.
What is happening for Earth Days 50th anniversary in 2020?
The campaign hopes to reach 3 billion acts of green for its 50th anniversary next year.
Their website invites people to submit their acts of green such as giving up smoking, or writing to local politicians about climate change.
You can submit your act of green to the Earth Day website here.
Earth Day also provides us a chance to reflect on climate change, global warming and what we – as humans – can do to slow down the impact of these.
More: World
How can I help reduce global warming?
There are many small, tangible steps you can take as an individual to target global warming.
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Speak up
The first step towards reducing global warming is speaking up – whether that be signing a petition against fracking, or encouraging your MP to support fast action against air pollution.
If youre unsure where to start, Greenpeace run a range of climate change campaigns which you can get involved with.
Save energy at home
Its not always easy to actively make the switch to renewable energy (installing solar panels is not easy or cheap), but theres plenty of ways you can save energy at home.
These include:
- Installing smart thermostats to ensure your heating is more efficient
- Turning down your thermostat
- Choosing appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings
- Investing in double glazing
- Insulating and draught-proofing your house
- Buying low energy bulbs
The Government have advice on their website including information on how to assess your property and finance any work you may want to get done.
Eat less meat and dairy
According to Friends of the Earth, meat and dairy production are responsible for a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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