People globally celebrate Earth Day on April 22, recognizing the urgent need to help our planet. What began in 1970 as a grassroots environmental movement in the United States has since grown into the largest secular observance in the world, involving more than a billion people in more than 190 countries.
But amid the celebrations, tree plantings and community cleanups, Earth Day must be seen for what it truly is: a call to action. A single day of awareness cannot undo centuries of environmental degradation, nor can it solve the critical climate crisis. However, it can serve as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility and the small yet significant steps each of us can take to protect the only home we have.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here and real. Rising sea levels, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and pollution are not abstract concerns. They affect people, communities and ecosystems every day. And they disproportionately impact the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Earth Day reminds us that environmental issues are not just scientific—they are deeply human. They intersect with social justice, public health and economic equity. Protecting the Earth is not a matter of choice, but of survival and moral obligation.
This year, let Earth Day be more than a symbol. Let it be a spark. Let it encourage policy change, continue to drive innovation in clean energy and push governments and corporations to take accountability. But most importantly, let it start at the individual level—because meaningful change often begins in small acts. Whether it’s reducing plastic use, voting for leaders with strong environmental agendas, or simply planting a tree, each act is a thread in the larger fabric of global sustainability.
Whether you’re passionate about conservation, renewable energy, want to learn more about how you can make a difference or simply want to have an enjoyable day out with the family, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate our planet.
Join Morgan Hill AAUW and the city of Morgan Hill for the fourth annual Morgan Hill Community Earth Day Festival from 9am-3pm April 26 at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.
There’s something for everyone:
• The Kids’ Zone with face painting and crafts
• Live musical entertainment
• The ever-popular annual Fleurs Plant and Craft Sale
• Tantalizing Food trucks
• The All-Electric Clean Energy Dream Home from Silicon Valley Clean Energy
• More than 20 organizations and vendors who are all focused on a variety of ways to have a positive impact on climate change.
Earth Day is a moment to reflect—but more importantly, it is a moment to act. Our planet is resilient, but not invincible. Let us rise to the occasion, not once a year, but every single day.
Because every day is Earth Day—if we want there to be many more.
