Earth Day 2025

🌍 Earth Day by the Numbers: Why Local Action Matters

Each year on April 22, more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries come together to celebrate Earth Day—making it the largest civic observance in the world. But Earth Day isn’t just a global movement; it’s a call to action for our local communities right here in Maine.

As part of our mission at Dirigo Science Connection, we’re sharing some powerful statistics to remind us why Earth Day exists—and why your efforts matter.

🧬 The Roots of a Movement

The first Earth Day in 1970 sparked transformative change in the U.S., leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. It showed how public awareness and grassroots efforts can drive meaningful policy shifts.

🧃 Plastic Pollution: A Global (and Local) Crisis

An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year—roughly a garbage truck’s worth every minute. If we don’t act now, plastic production is expected to double by 2050.

🌡 Climate Change Is on Our Minds

Concern about the climate is growing. In the U.S., about 63% of Americans say they are worried about global warming—yet many still don’t talk about it. That silence creates barriers to action, education, and hope.

🧹 Cleanups Create Change

Community cleanups aren’t just feel-good events—they work. Programs like Keep America Beautiful have shown that public education combined with local cleanups can reduce litter by up to 50%. In Maine, coastal cleanups have removed thousands of pounds of debris, including more than 8,000 pounds of coastal waste and 5,500 pounds of discarded fishing rope.

🧒 Youth Are Leading the Way

Today’s youth are more engaged than ever. A UN global survey found that 58% of youth aged 16–25 are very or extremely worried about climate change and looking for ways to get involved.

🌿 What Can You Do?

Earth Day reminds us that no action is too small. Whether you're joining a local cleanup, reducing single-use plastics, or talking to your neighbors about climate change—you’re making a difference.

Want to do more? Join our Dirigo Science Connection events and programs, including:

• 🌊 Neighborhood cleanups

• 🧪 Science and sustainability workshops

• 💬 Community forums on climate, conservation, and leadership

Together, we’re building a more connected and climate-conscious Maine.

Let’s lead with science. Let’s connect through action. Let’s make every day Earth Day.