Top global Earth Day events

Considered the birth of the modern environmental movement, Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Today, the global holiday still raises awareness of the risk environmental degradation poses to humans and wildlife. Organized by the Earth Day Network, the holiday is currently the world's largest participatory environmental movement. 

Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States, following bipartisan political support for the establishment of the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, followed a few years later by further legislative actions combating air and water pollution. In 1990, Earth Day became an international holiday and in Quebec, major Earth Day awareness and volunteer efforts for Canada were launched five years later. Since 2015, French and Canadian organizers have partnered to garner major support for Earth Day initiatives across the French speaking world.  

Here’s where Earth Day will be celebrated across the globe this year and how you can take part.  

The March for Science NYC has been active since 2018 and continues to grow. Participants march in New York City from Central Park, to Broadway, to Bryant Park demanding environmental protection and justice. Organizers also host livestreams with activists and scientists on several topics in conservation and STEM disciplines. The first March for Science, formally known as The Scientist’s March on Washington, was held in Washington D.C. on Earth Day in 2017. 

Earth Day in Tokyo is a multi-day festival held on April 15 and 16 in Yoyogi Park Events Square, a popular green space with towering trees, surrounded by the city. The fun continues in Miyashita Park on April 22 and 23. Learn about the environmental missions of Tokyo non-profits, buy from eco-friendly businesses, and enjoy art, music, and vegetarian eats at the Earth Day Kitchen Zone. 

Many of the nation’s Earth Day initiatives focus on preserving the Asian elephant. Once common throughout many regions in India, the Asian elephant is now an endangered species. Here’s more Earth Day India initiatives including large scale clean-ups, educational events for kids, and lectures on conservation. 

On April 21st, the day before Earth Day, Allianz Global Assistance will host a community cleanup in Cambridge to tackle the waste revealed after the winter melt. Garbage, particularly plastic, poses a huge danger to wildlife and pollutes our waterways and oceans. The cleanup is part of a commitment to sustainability by Allianz Global Assistance. We are proud to power our operations with 89 percent of electricity from renewable sources. 

To learn about the importance of environmental protection, visit Galt Museum and Archives in Lethbridge, the regional museum of southern Alberta, for the lecture “Earth Day and Indigenous History: Water is Life.” 

Check out EarthDay.ca to read more about Earth Day and events taking place throughout Canada.

Raise your voice to Mother Nature in Hyde Park, London during the Earth Day Sing. Participants will be led through songs dedicated to the land, trees and nature within the city of London. All voices are welcome. 

If you are taking a trip within Canada or abroad for Earth Day, travel insurance may provide some peace of mind. You should know that your Government Health Insurance plan may not cover all your medical needs if you are travelling to a province or territory outside of your own. Travel insurance benefits by Allianz Global Assistance can help you fill these coverage gaps. Millions of travellers rely on us for help when they need it most. Let us be there for you too. 

 

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.

• Travel sustainably as a family  
• 7 ways trip cancellation & interruption insurance saves you money
• The benefits of buying an annual multi-trip travel insurance