This week, millions will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Normally that would mean gathering together in cities across the country to demand climate action with a series of marches, rallies, art builds, actions, and training sessions. This year, however, is anything but normal.
Instead of mass protests, from April 22 to 24, youth and adult activists are coming together for Earth Day Live, a three-day live stream focused on climate action. The live stream will include training sessions, performances, and appearances to keep people engaged, informed, and inspired, with speakers including celebrities, politicians, scientists, and youth activists.
Click here to see the full schedule of events from April 22-24.
The coronavirus has laid bare the brutality and injustice of our current system. Millions of people have lost their jobs, are no longer able to pay their rent, student loans, credit card bills, utilities, or healthcare costs. That’s why we’re coming together for online action at a scale the climate movement has never done before.
We are leaning into healing and togetherness to provide comfort and inspiration during this time of anxiety and the unknown. On all three days, we are centering the stories and voices of frontline, Indigenous, and POC leaders.
Here’s an overview of what’s happening each day:
- April 22 — STRIKE: On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will demonstrate our collective power and unity through community building and storytelling. This first day will focus on amplifying the voice of Indigenous leaders and youth climate activists who are leading the movement to halt the climate crisis.
- April 23 — DIVEST: The world’s largest banks have pumped $1.9 trillion into fossil fuels since the 2015 Paris Agreement. We can’t let fossil fuel companies use the pandemic to loot trillions more when people need relief so desperately. Led by the Stop the Money Pipeline Coalition, April 23rd focuses on the role of money in driving the climate crisis.
- April 24 — VOTE: We need leaders who will address the existential threat of climate change, and for this to happen, we need people to show up at the polls. Led by the US Youth Strike Coalition, April 24th will focus on the urgency of political change through a nationwide youth voter registration day.
There are over 400 organizations taking part, led by the US Youth Strike Coalition that organized last fall’s Climate Strikes. Earth Day Live, while online, is being organized the same way — as a youth-led movement built around collaboration that is intergenerational and intersectional. With each passing day, Earth Day Live is gaining momentum, with new partners, allies and supporters joining our movement for climate action and justice.
Join us from April 22-24 for Earth Day Live — click here to find out more.
Online or offline the 50th anniversary of Earth Day is a day to demonstrate our collective power and unity through community building and storytelling. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean collective disengagement.
See you online!
