How Are You Celebrating Earth Day 2022?

After Earth Hour comes Earth Day—and another one is upon us again.

Today, April 22, we celebrate this planet that has nourished and sheltered the human race for centuries. Take this time to do something good for the environment—for this planet we live in and call home—whether that’s raising awareness about environmental issues, watching your consumption and carbon footprint, making your leaders accountable, or even planting a tree!

Every little thing (though we won't say planting a tree is by any means a 'little thing') counts—after all, climate change, as well as its destructive effects, is already here.

The annual celebration, held every 22nd of April, began as a national demonstration in the United States back in 1970. Organized by Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson, the first rallies prompted by the first Earth Day led to the creation to the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the National Geographic, by 1990, Earth Day had become an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe, including the Philippines.

More than ever, it is important to take care of our environment, Earth Day or not. There is a global climate crisis and we need to act NOW. Our planet is heating up drastically, and experts are saying that we only have until 2030 to prevent irreversible consequences. Common signs at climate strikes say, “There is no Planet B.” And there isn’t. Our Earth is the only home we know—and we are slowly destroying it.

Today, wildfires have been ravaging forests all over the world. Typhoons are becoming stronger and deadlier. Temperatures are rising, and so are sea levels. In some of the world’s iciest, coldest, and most frigid regions, ice is melting.

We need to save the planet. There are many ways we can go about it: One is by making changes to our daily routines, like adapting a zero-waste lifestyle. You can also support sustainable businesses and practices, or continue to raise awareness on the topic. This means sharing facts and information and engaging in healthy discourse. And finally, you can do your part by holding those in positions of power accountable—just like what environment activists Greta Thunberg and Marinel Ubaldo do.

All in all, these are just some of the things we can do to help save the world NOW. Together, let's take a stand and take action, and make this year’s Earth Day another step towards healing the planet we call home.

Lead photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

Special thanks to First Philippine Holdings Corporation.

First Philippine Holdings Corporation is a pioneering holding company with principal interests in clean and renewable energy, real estate, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and education. FPH is a member of the Lopez Group of Companies. Follow FPH on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.