Earth day has been celebrated around the world with great acceptance and encouragement since its introduction in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, an American senator. The day was highlighted in order to create awareness about the earth and its environment. Primarily Earth Day has been dedicated to conserving the environment and fighting back the problems facing it. Since 1971, Earth Day has been a holiday in the United States of America.
Every year, 22 April sees a lot of activity going on around the globe, particularly in NGOs and educational institutes regarding Earth Day. Although the date for Earth Day had been set to 22nd of April, when it is celebrated in most parts of the world, the date varies between 20th and 22nd in other countries. It was back in 1969 that Gaylord Nelson put forwards the idea of this day in a speech, which received widespread acclaim and unanimous acceptance. This was a result of the ongoing debates regarding the problems and issues facing the environment of the earth. However, at that time, the planet earth was not as much in danger as it is now. Thus, Earth Day activities and concerns are growing more serious and mature year by year. In spite of this, it cannot be said that Earth Day has not been successful in achieving its goals because it has been successful to quite an extent.
De facto, there have been no set standards for the Earth Day celebrations. Moreover, this is what has worked wonders towards the environment and the planet, earth. Preparations for Earth Day begin months ago since April 22 is expected to see great and noticeable changes in the environment. For example, planting of trees, cleaning the atmosphere, purifying of river and sea water and many other such things take time to come into effect, thus they need to be started long before 22nd of April. Different countries run different campaigns and projects for earth day related to environmental hazards and problems in their country. These dangers and hazards are brought up to the governmental level where work begins in order to give a healthy and satisfying gift to the environment as well as the population of that country on 22 April.
Like most of the world, Pakistan also celebrates Earth Day on 22 April. Pakistan is a highly regarded and recognized country in terms of its beautiful landscapes, natural sites and highly varied topography. Thus, it is amongst the toppers of the Earth Day Headquarters List. The country faces problems like deforestation, excessive use of non-renewable resources, air and water pollution and numerous other environmental hazards. This brought the governments of Pakistan to consider solutions to these problems in order to keep the country and its economy, stable. It has not been very long since Earth Day has been officially recognized in the country, but whenever it did get recognized, it has been celebrated with enthusiasm and vigor, far beyond imagination. Earth Day text messages print and electronic media have played a favorable role in creating awareness about this day.
Earth Day does not observe a holiday in Pakistan, and rather educational institutes, NGOs and geologists run various types of activities to serve the environment as best as possible. Earth Day SMS revolve around the country in support and so do programs on radio and TV and articles in papers and magazines. If the day retains such celebrations, a day will come when the earth will be safe, sound and all ‘Green’.
