EARTH DAY NETWORK LEADS U.S. AND GLOBAL ACTIVITIES FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY

Earth Day Network Leads U.S. and Global Activities for 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

Thought Leaders and Celebrities Join One Billion Citizens Worldwide to Take Action for Earth Day 

  WASHINGTON, D.C., April 21, 2010 – More than one billion people globally will observe the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, taking part in events and rallying to call for action on climate change. Earth Day Network, the international nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities globally and its partners are driving action through park clean-ups, climate petition drives, meetings with locally elected officials and much more. In Washington, D.C., members of Congress and leaders from the faith, labor, civil rights and business communities will gather on the National Mall for a 40th anniversary event. Around the world, Earth Day Network and its partners are orchestrating large events in New York City, NY; Rabat, Morocco; Kolkata, India; Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan for Earth Day. “In 1970, 20 million people poured into the streets on the first Earth Day to demand environmental change and truly launch the modern environmental movement,” said Denis Hayes, Global Chair Earth Day 2010 and the first Earth Day organizer. “Now Earth Day has become a global phenomenon with extraordinary influence to harness the voices of millions and shape environmental policy in the U.S. and worldwide.” “Earth Day’s 40th anniversary promises to be the largest yet and the climate issue gives it greater urgency,” said Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network. “The world is focused on topics such as climate change and how we want to shape our environmental future to bring about green jobs, renewable energy and a new green economy.” In Washington, D.C., the epicenter for the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day events on the National Mall will once again act as a rallying point for the nation. Activities for Earth Week conclude with The Climate Rally on April 25, when global thought leaders, elected officials, Olympic athletes and celebrities including NFL player and television personality, Dhani Jones; AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka; film director, James Cameron; Olympic gold medalist, Billy Demong; producer, Trudie Styler; Reverend Jesse Jackson; author, Margaret Atwood and many more will bring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the issue of climate change to an international stage. “The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is an opportunity that we must seize to bring the issue of climate change and clean energy to the forefront of the U.S. legislative agenda,” said Rogers. “We must harness the Earth Day moment to reinvigorate the environmental movement and drive actions that will solve climate change and protect the planet for future generations.” Earth Day Network events for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day include:  Earth Day 40th Anniversary:  April 22 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Members of Congress and environmental and industry leaders will speak on the Mall in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Speakers include: Senator Maria Cantwell (WA), Senator Thomas Carper (DE), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR), Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior; Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, and Denis Hayes, Earth Day 2010 Chair and 1970 Organizer. The Climate Rally:  April 25 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Climate Rally will capstone the nine-day event with performances from world-famous musicians Sting, John Legend, The Roots, Jimmy Cliff, Passion Pit, Bob Weir, Willie Colón, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Booker T, Honor Society and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger. Earth Day Around the World Through the Global Day of Conversationprogram, Earth Day Network is working with more than 370 mayors and locally-elected officials and their constituents in 39 countries to discuss and exchange ideas on the issues of climate change and community sustainability. New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg and Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman are among the officials leading environmental dialogues with their constituents. On Earth Day, The Kingdom of Morocco will also announce an unprecedented National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development, the first commitment of its kind in Africa and the Arab World.  The charter will guide policy in the country and future laws on natural resources, the environment and sustainability. Seal, Hoba Hoba Spirit, Najat Atabou and a group of Moroccan artists who are composing a special song for the earth will perform along with world-renowned speakers at an unparalleled Earth Day event in Rabat on April 24. Earth Day 2010 Online Resources EarthDay.orgis the digital action center for individuals and groups who want to organize around the common message of progress and sustainability for Earth Day and beyond. Visit Earthday.orgto find or register service and advocacy events in your community, link to existing partnerships and campaigns and view the schedule of events through April 25. Underwriters Laboratories is Earth Day Network’s Official Safety, Sustainability and Standards partner. P&G’s Future Friendly, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Siemens are the U.S.co-presenting sponsorsof Earth Day 2010. About Earth Day Network Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns.