Happy Earth Day 2026!

More than 1 billion people will celebrate Earth Day this year, which is a telling sign that caring about the environment is mainstream, not fringe.

In good company at Barnes & Noble NYC

The vast majority of Americans believe that clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and public lands are essential values to our country. Environmental action, sustainability, and conservation enjoy widespread bipartisan support.

The first Earth Day in 1970 engaged more than 20 million Americans, 10% of the U.S. population. Think about that number in the context of No Kings Rallies, which have inspired eight million Americans to take action. Furthermore, the first Earth Day was more than protest. Their were teach-ins organized at universities and by faith communities.

The widespread civic action spurred the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, updates to the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and the passage of the Endangered Species Act. Real policy reform was the clear ask and it worked.

For more the history of Earth Day, check out this presentation I shared with the OneGreenThing community a few years ago, but as relevant as ever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGwuESnC3po

The biggest takeaway is clear-- you are not alone.

Create some space to connect to nature, call your elected officials to protect public lands and support clean energy ,and know that we're going to get through this -- we will be the awesome ancestors future generations deserve.