Numbers in the News: Earth Day Anniversary

This April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Here’s how this annual event has changed since it began in 1970.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

1 vs. 193

The number of countries that participated in the first Earth Day (only the U.S.) vs. the number participating today.

20 MILLION

The number of people who took part in the first Earth Day celebration.

1 BILLION

The number of people organizers aim to mobilize this Earth Day.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

25%

The percentage of Americans who said protecting the environment was important one year after the first Earth Day.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

75%

The percentage of Americans who think the U.S. should protect the environment today.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

$190,000

The first Earth Day's budget. Today, millions are spent on Earth Day events worldwide.

THINK ABOUT IT: How will your community celebrate Earth Day? Research to find out ways you can contribute.

SOURCES: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, PEW RESEARCH CENTER

RELATED CONTENT

Text-to-Speech