World Earth Day 2023

Every year on 22 April, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Set against the backdrop of poor air and water quality, a catastrophic oil spill and serious health impacts, the original Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans to take to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for better outcomes in the Environment. 

Since its inception, Earth Day has grown in its ambition “to drive meaningful change" by developing several programs and campaigns in countries around the world, that focus on tree planting, biodiversity, ending plastic pollution, climate education, sustainable food and fashion.   

Now a worldwide event, Earth Day is an opportunity to advocate for change at leadership and governmental level, while also joining together with communities and individuals making their own environmental changes at grassroot level. To find an event near you see the Earth Day Map. 

Commencing this year there will be ‘Earth Week’ in honour of this year’s theme: Invest in Our Planet. Consisting of a series of Earth Day Lives and major events in every time zone, Earth Week will amplify inspiration and action from 14 April to 22 April worldwide.  

Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, at the launch of Earth Week has said “There is unlimited opportunity to right the wrongs of past actions and build a new version of society. But, we have a very short window of time and we need everyone to Invest in Our Planet now!” 

The RIAI wish to support Earth week and urge practices to use this as an opportunity to advocate for meaningful change in the Built Environment, promote more sustainable outcomes in the practice of architecture and to sign up to the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge.    

Find out more about Earth Day by watching this short movie When the Earth Moves Film.