Our Power, Our Planet: Celebrating Earth Day 2025

Earth Day celebrates its 55th anniversary on April 22, 2025, and this year’s theme encourages us to think about how we power our homes, businesses, and communities and discover sustainable alternatives. 

“Our Power, Our Planet” 

EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global organiser of Earth Day, is inviting its one billion supporters in 192 countries to learn about renewable energy and explore making cleaner choices for their families. EDO’s goal is to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. That might seem intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. EDO’s grassroots perspective highlights how we already possess what we need to create clean, cheap, and unlimited energy for the world. We just have to harness it properly. 

Did You Know?

Many nations are already leading the way (49, to be exact!) and generate more than half of their electricity from renewable sources, including Canada, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark! 

Iceland generates 99.99% of its electricity from renewable sources!

What is Renewable Energy?

Clean energy comes from renewable sources that don’t produce greenhouse gases, such as the sun and wind. Other examples include hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal energy. 

“For years, we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet; that is not true,” said Denis Hayes, the Board Chair Emeritus of EARTHDAY.ORG. “By the 2030’s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.”

The United States already has a head start! Last year, the country experienced a solar revolution and set a record for the most sunpower ever produced, thanks to the efforts of California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona. This incredible feat has helped make the cheapest electricity in history.  

Expect more of those nifty solar panels decorating rooftops or stilts pointing towards the sun over the next few years! It’s the way of the future. 

Health Benefits of Clean Power 

Moving away from fossil fuels carries the potential for significant health benefits worldwide. Here are a few highlights: 

• Experts have linked the burning of fossil fuels to heart attacks, strokes, various cancers, asthma, and other respiratory issues. The World Health Organisation says switching to cleaner energy sources will reduce those health issues and healthcare costs.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says reduced greenhouse gas emissions will mitigate the effects of climate change, such as flooding, drought, heat waves, and the spread of infectious diseases. 
• Renewable energy might also improve mental health! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to reduced stress and anxiety associated with pollution and climate change. 

Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy

Tapping into renewable energy sources will do wonders for the environment and human health, and EDO also touts it as an economic revolution. Making the switch will drive innovation and create millions of job opportunities around the globe.

“This presents an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurs, industries, and those seeking well-paying careers,” says Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative and Content Officer, EDO.

According to EDO, the renewable energy sector is expected to create 14 million new jobs worldwide. Last year, the global industry was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow over 17% annually over the next five years.   

Is Renewable Energy Expensive for the Average Joe?

Finding renewable energy sources for your home isn’t as pricey as you might think. For example, EDO says the cost of making solar panels has plummeted over the last ten years, making them the cheapest form of electricity. Between 2010 and 2020, solar module prices fell by up to 93%. Many corporations and individuals are now fully or partially powering their spaces with solar panels.With this option more affordable, more of us will hopefully follow suit. 

“We need people power to support the big switch to renewable energy,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of EDO. “We encourage everyone to talk to your local mayor, boss, neighbours, community leaders, and local and national legislators to explore and champion switching to renewables.”

There are many ways you can get involved in Earth Day 2025. Visit earthday.org/earth-day-2025 to find out how and use #RenewableEnergyNow on social media!