Here are 10 unexpected tidbits about Earth Day

Over 8 billion people inhabit Earth, and soon, a springtime holiday will serve as a reminder for them to care for their home.

Earth Day, occurring on April 22, traces its origins back to 1970 when U.S.-based organizers aimed to raise awareness about environmental degradation nationwide. Since then, the observance has expanded to over 190 countries, marking it on their calendars.

This holiday serves as both a solemn reminder of the ongoing environmental work and a celebration of the strides made in addressing climate change. It has spurred actions such as the establishment of international climate agreements and environmental agencies.

This year's theme, "Planet vs. Plastics," urges government leaders, businesses, and individuals to reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040 and eliminate single-use plastics by the decade's end. Kathleen Rogers, President of earthday.org, emphasizes the urgency, stating, "The Planet vs. Plastics campaign is a call to arms, demanding immediate action to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of all life on our planet."

Here are 10 captivating facts about Earth Day:

Earth Day was initiated by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who, concerned about the environment in the 1960s, sought to launch a nationwide teach-in inspired by anti-war movements on college campuses.

The concept for Earth Day arose following a series of environmental crises, including Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" and the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, which drew attention to various environmental issues.

Over 20 million people participated in the inaugural Earth Day celebration in 1970, with demonstrations and street clean-ups shutting down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.

The choice of April 22 for Earth Day was influenced by college schedules, falling between spring break and final exams when the weather allowed outdoor activities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established on December 2, 1970, in direct response to the massive participation in Earth Day demonstrations, aiming to regulate mechanisms for environmental protection.

Earth Day became a global movement in 1990, mobilizing millions of people in 141 countries and leading to the passage of significant environmental laws.

The Paris Agreement, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, was opened for signature on Earth Day in 2016, marking a significant international effort.

The United Automobile Workers (UAW) union played a substantial role in the first Earth Day, contributing financially and mobilizing workers in support of environmental causes.

Organizers aim to host the largest Earth Day cleanup event in history in 2024, with plans to engage 100,000 volunteers in Penang Island, Malaysia, to address plastic pollution and plant over 1 million trees.

Since its inception, Earth Day has facilitated the planting of tens of millions of trees worldwide through initiatives like the Canopy Project, combating deforestation and promoting environmental sustainability.