Introduction: What Is Earth Day & Why Is It Important?
Earth Day is a global event held each year on 22nd April to highlight the importance of protecting the Earth’s environment. Established in 1970 by US Senator and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day also serves as a crucial reminder of the environmental threats that our planet faces. To many, it’s a day of activism and protest, and to others, it’s a day to celebrate and appreciate the wonders of the Earth’s natural environment.
How is this global event celebrated in the UK? The team at Remitly have published this article to highlight how the UK celebrates this special day, from events and festivals to political marches and protests.
In a report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2022, it was said that the past decade is likely to have been the hottest period in the last 125,000 years. The impact of climate change is sadly becoming more evident by the day. From the devastation brought about by wildfires to floods and storms, environmental concerns are at the top of many international government agendas.
The UK has been recognised as one of the leading major economies when it comes to climate change action. From initiatives such as the ULEZ scheme to renewable energy schemes and re-wilding projects, many changes have taken place to tackle climate change. Despite these efforts, many experts believe we’re not acting quickly enough.
Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of these issues and to lobby the Government to do more when it comes to the climate emergency. In this article, we’ll be focusing on key themes, including how the UK participates in Earth Day, government and corporate sustainability initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, events, and ways UK residents can contribute.
The Importance of Earth Day in the UK
Earth Day is not only a day for appreciating and admiring the Earth’s natural environment. It’s also a day that activists, lobbyists, and campaigners use to promote change and draw awareness of climate issues.
Some of the key environmental challenges facing the UK are:
Climate Change & Net-Zero Goals
The UK was the first major economy to sign a legally binding contract to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Despite this, the UK’s independent climate change advisor, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has expressed concerns that the Government could fail to meet this target in light of policy reversals and delays.
Air Pollution & Urban Sustainability
Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Long-term exposure to poor air quality is associated with chronic health conditions such as respiratory diseases and cancer.
To combat these risks, the Government has introduced schemes such as the ULEZ scheme and clean air zones. These initiatives aim to reduce air pollution by restricting motor traffic in built-up areas.
Plastic Waste Reduction
The UK government banned single-use plastic packaging in October 2023. This change was brought about after the emerging evidence showed how plastics can be hazardous to human and animal health. Not only this, but plastics are not easily biodegradable, with the average piece of plastic taking anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years to degrade in some cases.
The UK government is also committed to ensuring that residual municipal plastic waste does not exceed 42kg per capita annually by 31st January 2028.
Green Energy Transition
The transition toward cleaner, greener, renewable energy sources has been high on the Government agenda when it comes to climate sustainability. Alongside government-backed financial incentives such as the Contracts For Difference Scheme, and with the 2050 Net-Zero target looming, the push for green energy is clear.
From wind and solar energy farms, investment has been heavy in this particular area of the Government’s efforts toward climate sustainability.
How the UK Observes Earth Day
Government & Corporate Sustainability Initiatives
We’ve already discussed the critical role that the Government play in promoting environmental sustainability through key initiatives such as ULEZ, the banning of single-use plastics, and the wider investment in renewable energy. When it comes to big legislative changes at a national level, it’s the Government that takes front and centre.
Though it’s true that much of the change required to make any kind of impact is down to international governments, that doesn’t mean that everyday people can’t take action. Many British businesses have chosen to take positive steps toward environmental sustainability.
Many organisations have chosen to go “paperless” and transfer solely to digital correspondence and ways of working. Others in the food and hospitality sector have adopted other sustainable business practices, such as only using recyclable material for products. Some organisations have gone further, such as those pledging to plant a certain number of trees for products sold under carbon offset programmes.
Earth Day Events & Activities Across the UK
London
Arguably London’s biggest Earth day event is Earthfest. Held from the 5th – 8th June, Earthfest hosts live music, talks, workshops, wellbeing classes, and everything in between. The event takes place at various locations across the city and hosts some of the biggest names in the space.
Manchester
Manchester has previously hosted everything from Earth Day charity-inspired walks and woodland yoga to educational seminars. Check sites like Eventbrite as well as social media to find events near you.
Edinburgh
In Edinburgh there are park cleanups, charity runs, and conservation-inspired events which pay tribute to Scotland’s natural environment. Check Eventbrite and social media to find events close by.
Bristol & Brighton
Bristol’s Sparks department store say they are a “department store with a difference,” with a range of locally produced products as well as space for dance and rehearsal. Sparks has always been committed to environmental sustainability. Check out their Earth Day-inspired 2025 event here.
As for Brighton, there are events like beach cleanups, zero-waste food markets, and child-friendly events like the ones held at Brighton Booth Museum.
Virtual & Digital Earth Day Events
If physical attendance is an issue, fear not! There are plenty of events held online, such as climate change webinars hosted by universities and charities. Social media is also a great place to connect with others who may be attempting climate sustainability challenges.
Schools, Universities, & Community Engagement
Teaching Sustainability in Classrooms
As part of the Government’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy, the Department for Education has implanted changes to the education system to provide opportunities for young people to learn more about the natural environment. Part of the strategy hopes to have all UK schools implementing their own climate change action plans by 2025.
Eco-Clubs & Student-Led Initiatives
Independent, student-led charities such as Students Organising For Sustainability, or SOS, provide spaces for students to engage in debate and taking action when it comes to environmental issues.
Early years learning settings have also been known to teach young minds about the value of protecting the environment through recycling programmes and field trips.
Local Council Initiatives
The Local Government Association has said that “councils are already showing high levels of commitment to support the UK’s targets, with over 300 councils having already declared a climate emergency.”
Local councils across the UK are looking at more environmentally friendly ways to operate. Take, for example, Fylde Council, which allocates £20,00 annually toward environmental improvements and projects.
Ways UK Residents Can Participate in Earth Day
There are so many ways UK residents can participate in Earth Day. Some examples include community litter-picking days, such as town or beach cleanups. Charity walks or mindfulness classes have also proven popular, and so too have yoga sessions and public talks.
If attending an event or public meet-up isn’t possible, then there are many ways to participate from home instead. Participants may choose to switch to sustainable energy plans or reduce household waste by shopping at environmentally sustainable stores.
If that’s not enough, you may choose to take part in the many climate demonstrations taking place on Earth Day. A word of warning, though: some climate activist groups, such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil, have been subjects of front-page news for their contentious and sometimes illegal acts of protest. If you’re participating in such events, make sure you do so with full regard to the law and your own as well as other people’s safety.
The Future of Sustainability in the UK
So, what does the future look like for the UK when it comes to climate sustainability? As we’ve discussed, there are plenty of ways the UK look to deliver long-term climate sustainability. There’s no one sure-fire way to protect our environment from further harm, meaning the Government has implemented different strategies to tackle certain aspects of the ongoing climate emergency.
Take, for example, the 2050 net-zero target, which looks to cut greenhouse gas emissions to the same level at which we produce them. By doing so, scientists hope that global temperatures will return to pre-industrial levels, thereby avoiding the effects of climate change such as flooding, irregular weather patterns, and natural disasters.
The Government have also been keen to show their support for renewable energy alternatives by incentivising land owners to invest in wind, solar, and hydro power. Rewilding projects also fall under this umbrella, with farmers being encouraged to support biodiversity by returning agricultural land back to natural woodland and wetlands.
The ways we get around have also been investigated. Initiatives such as the ULEZ scheme have meant less polluting traffic and congestion in built-up areas. The public transport and infrastructure that we rely on have also been improved with the inception of electric busses, high speed rail, and the expansion of cycle routes.
Conclusion
Earth Day is one of the most significant dates on the calendar for environmental awareness. Attended by millions around the world, it sends a strong message to world leaders and governments that we care about our environment. It serves as a salient reminder to look after our planet and to take the steps necessary to avoid environmental disaster.
For many, it’s also a day of celebration. A time to stop, think, and appreciate the natural world and the benefits it has for humans. Many choose to experience this through practicing mindfulness, taking part in yoga classes, or walking in nature. Many talks, conferences, and opportunities for learning about the natural world are also available with museums, conference centres, community spaces, and parks taking host to conservationists and speakers.
Whichever way people choose to get involved, there’s something for everyone. We’d encourage our readers to get involved by checking social media or event websites online to see what’s happening in the area. We’d encourage anyone to adopt environmentally sustainable habits such as reducing waste and recycling more often where possible.
To find out more about Earth Day, or to see what steps you can take to be more environmentally conscious, check out websites like Greenpeace, Rewilding Britain, and The World Land Trust.
FAQs
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a global event which brings awareness to the earth’s environment. It’s held on 22nd April each year and is attended by millions of people worldwide.
How is Earth Day celebrated in the UK?
There are many ways people choose to celebrate Earth Day. Some take to the streets in protest. Some create petitions and lobby the Government to change policies or laws which impact sustainability. Others take part in eco-festivals, charity walks, and beach cleanups, or support environmental projects and initiatives.
What are the biggest environmental challenges in the UK?
Many challenges the UK faces are the same as those affecting the rest of the world. Harmful greenhouse gasses are produced from transportation and industry, and household and commercial waste is not readily recyclable, so it ends up in the environment. Agricultural runoff pollutes rivers, which has a detrimental impact on wildlife, and the decrease of natural woodland and wetland due to development means less biodiversity and green spaces.
Are there government programs supporting sustainability in the UK?
Whilst some argue that not enough is being done to combat the effects of climate change, the Government have introduced some initiatives to help tackle the problem. By far the biggest and most ambitious of them is the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Alongside this, schemes like ULEZ, the banning of single-use plastics, and additional investment into renewable energy have furthered progress toward a more environmentally friendly Britain.
What are some Earth Day events in the UK?
From big events like EarthFest in London to family-friendly days out hosted by the Brighton Booth Museum and Sparks department store in Bristol, there are many events taking place all across the country.
How can I contribute to Earth Day in the UK?
Playing your part in making the world a better place to live in doesn’t have to mean taking big action. Simple acts like household waste reduction, switching to green energy solutions, participating in local clean-ups, and donating to environmental charities all make a difference.
Whether you choose to participate in Earth Day this year or not, we all have our part to play in making our planet a greener and more sustainable place to live for future generations to come.