What is Earth Day 2026? Here's what you need to know about Earth Day, from what it means to this year's theme
Each year on April 22, Earth Day is celebrated around the world. Here’s what the event is, how it started and why this year’s theme encourages small individual changes.
After beginning as a grassroots initiative in the wake of a disastrous oil spill, Earth Day grown into a global movement for protecting the environment.
Taking place on April 22 each year, the annual event was first held in 1970 and has helped influence direct change in environmental policy in countries such as the United States,
In 2026, Earth Day celebrates its 56th year with the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet” which emphasises the everyday actions we can take to show up for the environment.
Here’s everything you need to know about Earth Day, from what it is to what it means in 2026.
What is Earth Day and what does it mean?
Earth Day is an annual event which looks to demonstrate support around the world for environmental protection, from communities protecting local ecosystems to advancing solutions towards clean air, safe water and climate resilience.
Its main aim is to educate people about the movement to protect the environment and it was first founded back in 1970, following the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill.
Now, the main meaning behind Earth Day is for people from around the world to either stand up for the environment or to take small steps towards real change.
When is Earth Day?
Each year, Earth Day takes place on April 22.
What is the Earth Day 2026 theme?
This year, the theme for Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet”.
With heightened uncertainty around the world, organisers want this year’s event to reflect that protecting the environment goes beyond those in power, and is shaped by communities, educators and others who understand the necessity of protecting the places they live and work for the future.
The theme essentially reflects that no person on the planet is untouched by the environment, from people with asthma to farmers, fishers and those such as firefighters who depend on a healthy environment.
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What can you do for the environment on World Earth Day?
If you aren’t able to attend an in person event or demonstration, there are many other ways to show up for the environment on World Earth Day.
The organisation behind the event have gathered a list of 50 actions you can take to help create change in small ways, from reading books about climate solutions to eating plant based meals, organising a park or beach clean up, or event switching to reusable bags.
If you would like to participate in an activity for World Earth Day, you can check out this map which lists a number of official events being hosted around the world.
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