9. 04. 2024 Storm Birch

The history of Earth Day and practical actions you can take

The history of Earth Day explained, with practical actions we can all take

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Everything you need to know about the history of Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April. It sparks environmental action and reminds us there is no planet B – but how and when did Earth Day start? We’re hopping in a time machine to break it down.

Can you imagine a time when factories polluting our waterways and spitting thick, toxic smoke into the atmosphere came with no consequences? Before 1970, that was the reality.

53 years ago, there were no legal or regulatory mechanisms in existence to protect our environment – even though climate change had started making the news in 1912.

*Unofficial Earth Flag created by John McConnell includes The Blue Marble photograph taken by the crew of Apollo 17. Via Wikipedia.*

A ripple in time: The birth of Earth Day

In 1970, amidst a growing environmental movement in the United States, Earth Day was created by the junior senator from Wisconsin: Senator Gaylord Nelson.

Public concern about pollution, deforestation and the deterioration of natural habitats was growing but environmental action and protection wasn’t yet on the US national agenda…

To force the issue, the Senator, along with activist Denis Hayes, envisioned a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and mobilising communities to take environmental action.

Although originally called the ‘Environmental Teach-In’ and aimed university students, the duo quickly realised their concept could inspire a wider audience. They renamed it Earth Day and pencilled it in on the calendar.

On 22 April 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated.

What did the first Earth Day look like?

Looking back at the History of Earth Day: An image of demonstrators in Philadelphia, 1970. It's believed 20 million Americans raised awareness about environmentalism on the first Earth Day. Image shared via Ocean Generation

It’s reported that 20 million Americans took part in the first Earth Day (around 10% of the total population of the United States at the time).

They took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development.

From coast to coast, US citizens from all walks of life made it clear: They understood and were concerned about the impact we were having on the planet.

Their voices were heard.

In July of the same year, President Nixon called for establishment of the EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency. And in the 10 years that followed the first Earth Day, dozens of regulations to protect the environment were put in place in the US.

President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon plant a tree on the White House South Lawn to recognise the world's first Earth Day. Shared by ocean Generation. — *President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon plant a tree on the White House South Lawn to recognise the world’s first Earth Day.*

The origin of Earth Day reminds us that we have immense power to influence political decision making.

When we care, and make it known we want political action, we let the leaders of our countries know they better want it, too.

Why Earth Day matters: A call to climate action

By 1990, Earth Day was celebrated by over 140 countries around the globe. Now, Earth Day is the largest civic observance in the world.

No matter where we live or how old we are, there’s no denying that looking after our planet is in our best interest.

The Ocean deserves a VIP invitation to Earth Day celebrations

If we look down at Earth from space, most of what we see is blue. Over 70% of our planet is Ocean, but more than just big and blue, the Ocean is the beating heart and lungs of our planet.

The Ocean absorbs 90%
of the excess heat
associated with climate change.

5 reasons to look after the Ocean this Earth Day

The Ocean is keeping us all alive. It provides over 50% of all oxygen on Earth. Simply put: If the Ocean’s ability to produce oxygen was compromised, we’d be in trouble.
Around 30% of the CO2 we produce is absorbed by the Ocean.
The Ocean helps regulate land temperature and drive global weather patterns.
Coastal “blue carbon” ecosystems, like mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, can sequester (store) more carbon in their soils than terrestrial forests.
The Ocean is the main protein source for over 3 billion people.

We depend on a healthy Ocean for a healthy planet. In the words of Dr. Sylvia Earle, “No water, no life. No blue, no green.”

What’s the theme for Earth Day 2024?

In 2024, the theme for Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics. 422 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually – half of which is for single-use purposes.

Plastic is everywhere. It’s in what we wear, the items we use daily, and it’s even in the food we eat.

We know plastic was designed to be indestructible (so, it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon). We know it has numerous negative impacts on human health. We know single-use plastics are the biggest contributors to marine litter. And we use it anyway.

It’s safe to say: We have a problematic relationship with plastic.

This Earth Day, rethink your relationship with plastic.

The 2024 theme for Earth Day
is Planet vs. Plastics.

What action can I take this Earth Day?

Say goodbye to unnecessary single-use plastics you can avoid.
Explore these 20 ways to reduce and reuse plastic.
In general: Buy less, reuse more, and become the friend who reminds everyone to bring their reusable cups and bottles when meeting up.
Implement these 15 practical climate actions anyone, anywhere can take

Riding the Wave of Change

As we commemorate Earth Day, it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come and re-commit ourselves to leaving our blue planet better than we found it.

We only have one planet and it’s up to all of us to look after it.

We only have one planet so we have to look after it.

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13. 03. 2023 Saithya Ullas

What is the UN High Seas Treaty and why does it matter?

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After two decades, the open Ocean or ‘high seas’ are on its way to being protected.

On 20^th February 2023, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) resumed negotiations in attempt to agree on a treaty to protect the high seas.

The last negotiations were held in August 2022 and ended without agreement.

“Our Ocean has been under pressure for decades and we cannot ignore the Ocean emergency,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General in a statement, reiterating the need for a treaty that paves the way for a sustainable Ocean.

What are the “high seas”?

High seas refer to the vast majority of the Ocean that lies beyond national jurisdictions. This open water is not governed by any one country and covers 64% of the Ocean’s surface.

*Global map showing the extent of exclusive economic zones (EEZ’s) and the high seas. [Extracted from Sumaila et al.]*

What does the High Seas Treaty mean for our Ocean?

After an extra day of intense negotiations, IGC president, Rena Lee, Singapore, announced that the United Nations (UN) High Seas Treaty had been agreed.

This was a monumental milestone twenty years in the making.

“The ship has reached the shore!” – IGC President, Rena Lee, Singapore when the High Seas Treaty was accepted in 2023. — *[Credit: Photo by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis]*

“The ship has reached the shore!”
IGC President, Rena Lee, Singapore.

5 main takeaways from the High Seas Treaty:

Strengthening 30 x 30 –

This agreement seeks to protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030. This was an outcome from COP 15 (the global biodiversity conference held in Dec, 2022) that will be strengthened with the help of this treaty.

Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) –

This treaty will provide the legal framework necessary to set up MPA’s as no such framework currently exists.

Conference of the Parties (COP) –

Establish a COP to ensure accountability on issues like biodiversity and governance.

Marine Genetic Resources (MGR’s) –

Highlighting the need for processes to share genetic resources like plants and animals for pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, etc.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s) –

Greater obligations to conduct EIA’s on activities relating to pollution or any potential effects on the marine environment that is unknown or not yet fully understood.

Ocean Generation’s Statement on the High Seas Treaty:

“We are delighted to hear that the UN High Seas Treaty has finally become a reality.

A healthy Ocean is vital for the survival of all living things, and this is the message we continue to deliver through our work at Ocean Generation. Protecting 30% by 2030 must, however, be seen as a minimum requirement.

We view this agreement as a starting point. The Ocean is our ally in the fight against climate change and we must stop underestimating its role in our survival. The sooner this treaty is ratified by all countries, the better chance we have of a safe and healthy future for the generations that will follow us.”

Jo Ruxton MBE
Founder of Ocean Generation

We intend to update this article once the final text of the treaty has been published.

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Saithya Ullas

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27. 01. 2023 Storm Birch

Say Ocean – not oceans.

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There is only one Ocean.

At school, we may learn that the Ocean has five separate regions, namely, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Artic and Southern Ocean.

But our Ocean is not separated by borders. It’s connected as one and it works as a whole to help make all life on Earth possible.

Connection with our Ocean

Talking about ‘Our Ocean’ as one Ocean reinforces the notion of its interconnectedness.

We must all understand that: What happens in one part of the Ocean will have an impact on another part.

When 29,000 rubber ducks were washed into the North Pacific Ocean, they began showing up thousands of miles away in Alaska, Washington 10 months later.

This was known as “the quack heard around the world” and proved that a rubber duck (or a plastic bottle or whatever else) if chucked into a river could move across the Ocean and end up on the other side of the world.

29,000 toy rubber ducks washed into the Ocean. 10 months later, they were showing up all around the world. It proved that our Ocean is one, connected system.

A similar story happened, when almost five million pieces of Lego escaped into the Ocean off the coast of Cornwall, spilled from a cargo ship. The tiny, plastic figurines are still being washed up on the beaches of Cornwall 25 years later.

This not only highlights the interconnectedness of our Ocean, but also how our actions impact the entire Ocean.

What is your relationship with our Ocean?

We are all connected to the Ocean through weather, climate, and the very air we breathe. But everyone has their own unique experiences of the magic and beauty of the Ocean.

We swim, sail and bathe by the beach. We eat fish or seaweed in sushi. We use products that are imported from other parts of the world – by boat. We listen to Ocean sounds on Spotify to relax us.

Biologist Wallace J Nichols, the author of Blue Mind, says “We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken.”

But the ways the Ocean provides life-support – like how it supplies the oxygen we breathe and nourishes the crops we eat – remains far less understood.

This is where we come in.
Here at Ocean Generation, we want to rebuild this connection.

A diver in the Ocean, representing our connection with the Ocean. The Ocean supports all life on Earth and Ocean Generation wants to rebuild this human, Ocean connection so we can understand its importance.

Every drop of water is connected.

We don’t usually think of the water that comes out of our taps as the same water in the Ocean. But to quote a little fish…

All drains lead back to the Ocean.
Finding Nemo

The water that we use every day and the waterbodies in our communities connect us to the Ocean. All water eventually flows out to the Ocean.

Our Ocean is weaved into every part of our daily lives – and our actions have extraordinary impacts on it.

#WeAreAllOcean

Want to feel more connected to our blue planet?

Join the Ocean Generation

The Ocean Generation is coming together to restore a healthy relationship between humanity and the Ocean. As the first generation to understand ocean issues, we are also the last generation who can stop them.

We are all the Ocean Generation.

Subscribe to receive the Ocean in your inbox or add the Ocean to your daily scroll on Instagram.

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27. 01. 2023 Storm Birch

Ocean Generation: Endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Project

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In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021 – 2030 as ‘the Ocean Decade’ (officially: the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development).

What is the goal of the UN’s Ocean Decade?

The Ocean Decade is a global effort to provide “transformative Ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our Ocean” endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO; scientists, resource providers, governments, business and industry, and other stakeholders joining forces to drive solutions.

Their vision? To provide the science we need for the Ocean we want, with the aim of supporting a well-functioning, productive, resilient and sustainable Ocean.

Ocean Generation’s “Ocean Intelligence” approach has been endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade.

Ocean Generation - a global Ocean charity - is endorsed by UNESCO. Our Ocean Intelligence approach, which translates complex Ocean science into engaging tools and resources.

What is Ocean Intelligence?

“We are delighted that our unique Ocean Intelligence approach has been endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).

Our ‘Ocean Intelligence’ approach uses the power of storytelling to translate complex Ocean science into engaging and practical actions.

Through Ocean Intelligence we play a central role in bringing to life the vision of the Ocean Decade by connecting people everywhere to the Ocean and communicating the science we need for the Ocean we want.

We are particularly happy to continue our long relationship with the IOC who were early supporters and patrons of our original documentary film ‘A Plastic Ocean’.“
Richard Hill, CEO at Ocean Generation.

We unpack the often jargon-heavy, complicated science behind the human actions that threaten our Ocean.

Ocean Generation uses the power of storytelling to translate environmental science into understandable, practical actions that people, globally, can take to restore a healthy relationship with the Ocean and live more sustainable lifestyles.

Our Ocean Intelligence approach is grounded in four science-based pillars:

Our Ocean: Engaging people in the wonder of our Ocean.
Ocean not Oceans: Sharing the Science behind one interconnected Ocean that humans rely on.
Our Impact: Exploring the 5 human actions that threaten our Ocean.
Our Future: Discovering how we can all take Ocean Action.

These 4 pillars underpin all our Youth Engagement programmes for 3 – 25-year-olds.

Two young African men looking into a body of water. Their faces cannot be seen. The accompanying quote reads: Ocean Generation sees the world's youth as the key drivers for a more positive shift towards our Ocean.

How we bring the Ocean to young people

From a toe in the water to a full immersive experience

In partnership with Earth Cubs, we’ve launched a play-based game for 3 – 7-year-olds that aims to engage children on the importance of our Ocean, the harm of plastic pollution, and how they can contribute to creating a healthier planet.

Ocean Academy exists to bring the Ocean to the classroom. It’s an open-source digital education hub designed for 5 – 16-year-olds, providing them with access to the best Ocean education – in easy to understand and engage with formats.

The Wavemaker Programme empowers young adults – 16 – 25 – to make a positive change by providing them with tools and resources. Through our workshops, masterclasses, and personal development programmes, Wavemakers accelerates social action and incubates innovation.

We see a world where the Ocean is freed from human threats within a generation.

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us online to be part of Ocean solutions.

As the first generation to deeply understand Ocean issues, we are the last generation who can stop them.

We are all the Ocean Generation.

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29. 09. 2021 Melanie Vella

Mangrove Trees: A climate change solution

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Along the fringes of coastlines, where land and Ocean meet, grow the world’s mighty mangrove trees.

These resilient trees grow along shorelines, with their complex root networks stretching deep into the mud. These coastal ecosystems are found on every continent except Antartica.

Although mangroves may not look like much, they have unique adaptations that allow them to live in saltwater environments and provide crucial habitats for many marine species.

Why are mangrove trees an Ocean solution?

Mangrove ecosystems are a potent, nature-based solution tackling Ocean threats like climate change and loss of biodiversity.

They are the only forests situated at the confluence of land and sea in the world’s subtropics and tropics and are often called “coastal woodlands”, “tidal forests” and “mangrove forests.”

So, what makes mangroves a climate solution?

Here are 5 ways mangroves trees tackle climate change:

Mangroves are carbon sinks

Mangrove trees are highly effective carbon sinks. They sequester (the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere) 3 – 5 times more carbon per hectare than rainforests and they store up to 5 times more carbon per equivalent area.

Carbon stored in mangrove forests is considered blue carbon as it’s stored on the coast.

“The soil of mangrove forests alone can hold more than two years of global emissions – that’s 22 billion tons of carbon,” according to Project Drawdown. This is why they are a huge Climate Action solution!

Mangrove forests are biodiversity hotspots

There are up to 25 more species of fish and other wildlife in mangroves than in areas where they have been cut down.

Mangroves also provide nesting and breeding habitats for fish and shellfish, birds and sea turtles.

How do mangrove trees improve food security?

For people living in coastal regions, healthy mangrove forests provide a healthy ecosystem from which to fish – and healthy farmland from which to grow crops and other produce.

Mangroves are storm protectors

Mangroves act as natural protection for coastal communities as they protect them from increased storm surges, flooding and hurricanes.

Your coastal water quality ensurer

The heavy network of mangrove roots helps filter sediments, heavy metals and other pollutants. This prevents the contamination of waterways and preserves delicate habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds.

We’re losing mangrove forests at an alarming rate

Mangroves are some of the world’s most valuable coastal ecosystems and yet we’ve lost around 50% of Earth’s mangroves in the past 50 years alone.

If this trajectory continues, we could lose all mangroves within the next 100 years.

By destroying mangrove habitats we not only take away a source of carbon sequestration, we also release all the carbon stored back into the atmosphere.

Take climate action: Plant a mangrove

At Ocean Generation, we recognise the that planting mangrove trees is a simple and effective step to take Ocean action – and it’s accessible to everyone.

Introducing: The Mangrove Mandate

We’re partnering with local experts to restore mangrove forests in Madagascar. Not only does it give you a chance to take Ocean action at the click of a button but it embodies the way we see the Ocean: as part of the solution; not a victim to the world’s problems.

“How can I plant a mangrove tree?”

Follow Ocean Generation on Instagram
For every follow, we’ll plant a Mangrove tree in your name.

We can regenerate a Madagascar Mangrove together!

Ocean Generation is the Ocean charity that teaches people about the Ocean and helps them take action to mitigate the climate crisis. In 2022, Ocean Generation planted 1,027 mangrove trees to sequester carbon and protect the planet.

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Join the Ocean Generation for monthly Ocean news, stories, and ways you can restore the Ocean – backed by science and driven by storytelling.

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23. 02. 2021 Ocean Generation

We are the Ocean Generation

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The history of Ocean Generation

Since 2009, we have been experts in Ocean health.

Our charity began as Plastic Oceans UK, where we focused on Ocean plastic pollution. Our award-winning documentary ‘A Plastic Ocean’, was named by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the most important films of our time” and ignited mass public awareness about the impact of plastic on our Ocean.

Ocean Generation are creators of the award-winning documentary: A Plastic Ocean.

Through various education programmes, we set out to increase Ocean literacy and stop plastic reaching the Ocean within a generation.

Ten years on, it was time for a change. We needed renewed energy to tackle a wider range of very real and immediate human actions threatening the Ocean.

Serendipity came into play when we met the Ocean Generation Foundation team. This relatively new youth collective was breaking stereotypes by using popular culture like gaming, music and fashion to foster an inclusive approach to sustainability.

Together, we embarked on a bold and refreshing chapter; combining disruptive energy with years of experience of storytelling through science and film.

As Plastic Oceans UK became Ocean Generation, we identified a higher vision of the world.

We see a world where the Ocean is freed from human threats within a generation and where young people can be the catalyst for change.

Why we exist

We’re at a stage where there is mass awareness about the problems that engulf the Ocean.

For some of us, Ocean threats are so deeply embedded in the way we all live and work that addressing them can seem overwhelming. And for others, the connection of how the solutions can be relevant to their daily lives cannot be made.

We are changing the narrative around plastic, climate change and other human-made Ocean threats.

We break down the problem. No more fear-mongering, science jargon or big data. No more over-simplifications like Plastic Free or Zero Waste.

We know that plastic has a role to play. But we believe we can shift the perceptions and behaviours that create Ocean threats and enable all of us to live more sustainably.

What we do

Simply put: We translate complex Ocean science into engaging content; use film and popular culture stories to nurture an inclusive approach to sustainability; and run three UNESCO-endorsed youth engagement programmes for 3 – 25-year-olds.

We develop understandable and practical tools and solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems – like climate change and plastic pollution.

Our ‘Ocean Intelligence’ – endorsed by UNESCO – bridges the gap between complex Ocean science and people-led Ocean action by harnessing the power storytelling (backed by science).

We share the stories that to bring a human face to the environmental issues the world is facing.

Our blue planet doesn’t need you to be a perfect environmentalist to make a difference. We need to start where we are; do what we can; take action now.

Ahead of launching our second documentary, we are educating and empowering a generation of Ocean advocates – Wavemakers – to recognise where they can have impact in tackling Ocean threats.

Our global inclusive movement connects people who are using their voices, talents, and skills to develop locally relevant shifts in behaviour that can restore the health of the Ocean and our health too.

Young people are the change engine at the heart of the Ocean Generation movement.

We empower and encourage young people – between the ages of 3 and 25 – to make more conscious, sustainable choices. Their voices are amplified in a refreshing call for change at the heart of everyday decision making.

With collaboration at the core of our ethos, we develop partnerships with people everywhere, to achieve lasting change together.

We exist to restore a sustainable relationship between humanity and the Ocean. As the first generation to deeply understand Ocean issues, we are also the last generation who can stop them.

One Ocean.
One Future.
We are all the Ocean Generation.

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Ocean Generation

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1. 01. 2019 Ocean Generation

Plastic Rivers Report: What plastic ends up in the Ocean?

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What is the Plastic Rivers Report?

Our Plastic Rivers Report offers practical, evidence-based steps to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.

This report aims to improve our understanding of which plastic pollution items end up in rivers and flow into the Ocean most.

It identifies the 10 most prevalent macroplastic items found in European freshwater environments, key actions you can take to tackle plastic pollution, and how businesses and policy makers can support sustainable choices.

Access: Ocean Generation’s Plastic Rivers Report

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Ocean Generation

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The history of Earth Day and practical actions you can take

Everything you need to know about the history of Earth Day

A ripple in time: The birth of Earth Day

What did the first Earth Day look like?

The origin of Earth Day reminds us that we have immense power to influence political decision making.

Why Earth Day matters: A call to climate action

The Ocean deserves a VIP invitation to Earth Day celebrations

5 reasons to look after the Ocean this Earth Day

What’s the theme for Earth Day 2024?

What action can I take this Earth Day?

Riding the Wave of Change

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