Every April 22 for the past 49 years, millions of people around the world have celebrated Earth Day and its launch of an environmental movement. The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, was a tipping point in the attention paid to our global environment and a precursor to many critical environmental advances since that time. The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is an opportunity to look back at the challenges faced in 1970, to evaluate where we are and what has been accomplished, and to look ahead as we confront the precarious situation, we face with climate change. While we have much to be proud of with respect to environmental advances, our greatest challenges may lie ahead.
Explore our compilation of virtual events and stories about the past, present and future of Earth Day at Ohio State, in our nation and around the world. Check back often; we'll add new features as they become available.
Ohio State’s Path to Carbon Neutrality
This year’s Earth Day theme is climate action. President Michael V. Drake has announced a plan to cut Ohio State's carbon emissions in half within this decade, accelerating the university’s ability to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. Read about the steps the university is taking, and find out how you can reduce your own personal carbon footprint.
Environmental Successes at Ohio State
Starting from the founding of our university in 1870, take a look at Ohio State’s environmental successes through the years.
Learn More about Climate Change
More than 75 climatology researchers from five academic colleges work at Ohio State, with research spanning a broad range of themes: natural and agricultural sciences, engineering, public health, economics and humanities. Read about ice cores, rising sea levels, climate change's effects on Ohio and the Great Lakes and more.
Events Commemorating Earth Day 2020
Many events previously scheduled for our campus have now been changed to virtual celebrations, so don't miss out!
The First Earth Day: Buckeyes Remember the Launch of the Modern Environmental Movement
Law alumnus Peter Precario and Doug Brownfield, who studied communication, look back at their days on campus in 1970 and tell stories about how their lives were shaped by those days of urgency and optimism for our planet.
Alumni Voice: 50 Years Out: What World Do I Want to Live In?
Clair Bullock, an environment and natural resources alumna and Ph.D. student who received her Ohio State law degree in 2018, shares her vision for Earth Day 2070.
How to Be a Sustainable Online Student
Despite not being on campus, students can all still contribute to Ohio State’s sustainability initiatives at home. Now is the perfect time to assess our daily habits in our own homes and become more mindful toward our individual environmental impact. With practice and patience, you can be sure to emerge from social distancing with new eco-friendly habits. Students: How are you celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? Share your story on Instagram and tag @GreenBuckeyes! Also, see how these students inspired us with beautiful photos and Earth Day sentiments.