For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in raising awareness and taking action on critically important environmental issues. We advocate for the health of the planet, for our air, oceans, soil, eco-systems, wildlife, and human health.

On April 22nd, 2025, Earth Day will turn 55, with 192 countries and over one billion people around the globe expected to participate. This demonstrates how the diverse Earth Day movement remains as dedicated today as it was back in 1970 to bringing everyone together for a better future.

Grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day and it is the catalyst for paradigm-shifting change because when individuals unite with a common purpose, they can overcome even the most entrenched systems and industries.

As we approach this milestone, we celebrate a transformative reality: we already possess the solutions we need to create clean, inexpensive, and unlimited energy for the entire planet through renewable solar, wind and other technologies.

This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now.

TRIPLE RENEWABLE GENERATION BY 2030

By 2035 energy needs in countries such as the U.S. can be met by renewable sources, 365 days a year, which is why we are calling for renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030.

Renewable energy is a powerful unifying force, bringing together diverse countries, regions, states, and communities that are often polar opposites, politically and economically. Clean energy transcends ideological boundaries, showcasing the universal appeal of affordable energy.

CONSIDER THESE REMARKABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY FACTS

In the US in 2023, the US produced more solar power than ever before with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona the states leading the solar revolution. It is helping to produce the cheapest electricity in history.

In the United States, Texas—long associated with oil production—now leads the nation in wind energy generation.

The U.S. also has used its existing drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy.

California and Florida, states often at odds politically, are both at the forefront of the solar power boom.

Across the U.S., solar capacity has grown over ten fold in the last decade, and is poised to become the 2nd largest source of USA’s generating capacity in the next few years

China and the U.S. (largely through the IRA) are both making massive investments in renewable energy. China is currently leading the world in both wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world combined in 2024.

Uruguay has transformed its energy sector, moving from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources.

India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

Kenya is a leader in Africa, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of its electricity generation. Geothermal can be beneficial for the electrical grid, as it puts less strain on it and can help mitigate blackouts. Geothermal also emits 97% less acid rain-causing compounds and 99% less carbon dioxide.

A third of all homes in Australia use solar power.

In Brazil hydro-electric accounted for nearly 68% of its total electricity generation in 2023. Italy is at 23% and growing, Netherlands at 16%.

In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines (and has already provided 100% of its power over a 24 hour period) and by 2026, wind energy will power 30% of Spain, 17% of the Netherlands and 23% of the electricity needs of Germany.

RENEWABLE ENERGY COSTS ARE PLUMMETING

The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically in the past decade, making them not only affordable, but also often the cheapest form of electricity. Solar module prices fell by up to 93% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, the global weighted-average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV projects fell by 85%.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OPTING FOR CLEAN ENERGY

Renewable energy can spark a humanitarian revolution – for the first time in history, we have a pathway in providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone.

3.8 billion people do not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning their per capita electricity usage is under 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the threshold for mitigating poverty. Renewable energy can transform this situation, improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes. Here’s how:

Air Pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels is linked to heart attacks, respiratory disorders, stroke, asthma.

Reduced Air Pollution can significantly decrease respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. Source: World Health Organization (WHO).

Women’s Health – is especially impacted by air pollution and water contamination – breast cancer, ovarian diseases and maternal health risks have all been associated with it.

Decreased Greenhouse Gas Emissions help to mitigate the health risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and the spread of infectious diseases. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Improved Mental Health by reducing stress and anxiety associated with pollution, climate change, noise pollution and environmental disasters. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Lower Mortality Rates lead to fewer air quality-related illnesses. SOURCE: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Decreased Water Pollution and the improvement of water quality decreases the risk of waterborne diseases. SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Reduced Health Care Costs due to reductions of pollution-related diseases, less strain on healthcare systems and reduced medical expenses. SOURCE: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Health care costs can potentially be reduced due to the prevention of illnesses triggered by particulate matter in the air, released during fossil fuel use.

THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY

This profound and fast moving transition to renewable energy isn’t just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic revolution. It will drive innovation across industry, transportation and agriculture, spurring yet more technological advancements and creating millions of new jobs and opportunities, globally.

According to the 13th National Solar Jobs Census released in 2022, there are 263,883 solar energy workers across the U.S, working to manufacture, install, distribute, and carry out maintenance, marking a 3.5% growth in solar jobs compared to 2021.

Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity and will create 14 million new jobs globally. In 2023 renewable energy, worldwide, was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030.

Investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act can collectively save U.S families $27-$38 billion, between 2022 and 2030.

RENEWABLE ENERGY REDUCES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

“Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air.” Source: Renewable energy – powering a safer future | United Nations

Switching to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions because renewables generate electricity without producing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. In contrast, fossil fuels are major emitters of greenhouse gasses and thus are primary contributors to global warming. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration in 2023, petroleum accounted for roughly 38% of U.S. energy consumption and was responsible for 47% of U.S energy-related CO2 emissions. Natural gas accounted for 36% of energy use and contributed to 37% of these emissions. Coal accounted for around 9% of energy consumption and 16% of energy-related CO2 emissions.

THE POWER OF EARTH DAY MOVEMENT IS UNSTOPPABLE

The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. It’s the collective voice of concerned citizens that pushes governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action. By engaging in community initiatives, participating in local and national elections with renewable energy in mind, and making sustainable choices in daily life, individuals are the catalysts for change. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all.

This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all. Support and adopt the rapid transition to renewable energy sources now, be it solar, wind, hydro-electric, tidal or geothermal.

From Governments, to global industry and local businesses, from unions, to schools, religious leaders, to civil society, families and individuals. Whether you are a town mayor, a trade union boss, a CEO, a banker, an artist, farmer, fisherman, teacher, or firefighter – the true power of this revolution lies in the hands of individuals like you. People power is the driving force behind this transformation.

In 2025, as EARTHDAY.ORG turns 55, join us as we embrace a powerful, renewable future. It’s Our Power, it’s Our Planet.