Earth Day turns 56: How a 1969 oil spill launched a global movement
By Dane Kelly
Published on April 22, 2026.
The 56th Earth Day, celebrated by over one billion people in 193 countries, traces its origins to Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson who organized the event after a 1969 oil spill that killed over 10,000 animals. The first Earth Day was held in New York City in 1970, attracting crowds of 20,000 and over 100,000 people. The event was instrumental in inspiring the United States to prioritise environmental issues and influencing the environment globally. In 1995, Nelson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his environmental work.
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