Editorial: Earth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action

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.

There are a host of Earth Day events in Gilroy which include tree plantings, going green, singing earth day songs and a lot more. One of those is the Earth Day Resource Fair scheduled from 12-4pm at San Ysidro Park that will include free food and refreshments, activities, ice cream, raffles, youth workshops and more. After all, it’s about our environment and the very air we breathe. 

Discover some other family friendly earth day 2025 events in Gilroy and do your bit this day even when you are indoors. Visit https://allevents.in/gilroy/earth-day for more information.

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.