Everyday is Earth Day, as the saying goes.  Today, however, marks the official celebration.

Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, is credited with organizing the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970.  Rallies were held across the country and millions of people came out to protest against rampant industrial pollution and the deterioration of the nation’s natural environment.  These events led to the creation of the EPA and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Today, 43 years after the original, Earth Day is an international holiday celebrated in 192 countries.  These continuing efforts to raise environmental awareness are more important than ever as our global society faces the challenges of Climate Change.

Image Credit: NASA