Earth Day: Teaching kids about protecting our planet for future generations

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honours the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.

Celebrated on Saturday, 22 April this year, some schools took the opportunity to commemorate the day on Friday.

“Curro Academy Protea Glen is celebrating Earth Day because it’s about connecting the world together and celebrating together. It’s about bringing us together to be more conscious about our impact on the environment, and what simple steps each and every one of us can take to make a difference – every day,” said Ms Zuze, a teacher at the school.

The planet includes everybody

“This is important for the children to learn about Earth Day because it is to prepare our students to be engaged stewards of the environment,” she added.

The educator also said this will educate the pupils on protecting the planet.

“When we say ‘planet’, we mean the people, animals, plants, climate, land, water, and everything on Earth.”

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Ms Zuze further explained that the day raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.

“The learners need to understand that protecting the planet will not only benefit them, but will also help future generations.”

Earth Day explained

According to National Geographic Kids, each year on 22 April, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day – a day aimed at educating people on protecting the planet from things like pollution and deforestation.

“By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 when a United States senator from Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson organised a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues.

“Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the US government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, the special day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe,” explained the website.

Interesting facts on Earth Day  

Celeste Robinson, from the University of Colorado Boulder, said it is immensely important to celebrate Earth Day each year because it recognises the harm humans are capable of causing while showing the massive amounts of support across the globe for protecting the Earth and the environment.

“This is especially important in relation to the climate crisis, in order to enact real change, our governments must be aware of the desire of their constituents to have environmental issues be at the forefront of policy.”

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