April 14, 2020 in Climate Change, Community Action, Food & Farming, Nature & Recreation, Uncategorized

Earth Day goes big & virtual for its 50th

Earth Day 2020 will be bigger than ever on its 50th anniversary this year, offering participants the rare opportunity to join events around the world as it all goes virtual in response to COVID-19.

Here’s how you can participate. Earth Day will be live, interactive events in Kansas City and worldwide so participants can safely attend from home for the week surrounding Earth Day, April 22. Find thousands of virtual events, film screenings, kid’s activities and celebrations at Earth Day 2020. Since events are all virtual, you can participate well beyond your city, state or country’s activities.

On the first Earth Day in 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin inspired more than 20-million Americans (10 percent of the population at the time) to gather at “teach-ins,” rallies and protests to demand cleaner air and water. Those efforts launched the modern environmental movement that led to the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

From Kansas City, here are events that range from climate action to a healing Buddhist meditation for the planet. Click on the links to find more information and instructions on how to participate. All events are free. If you would like to include an event, please provide information using Submit an Event.

Thursday, April 16

6:30 p.m. Faiths’ Call for Climate Action, GKC Interfaith Council

Saturday, April 18

11 a.m. Climate Speakers Forum, mayors and climate activists

1 p.m. Ecological Angst: Building Resilience, The Resilient Activist

2 p.m. Climate Change & Social Equity, Hope Faith

3 p.m. From Waste to Justice, KC Can Compost

4 p.m. Conscious Activism, Temple Buddhist Center

5 p.m. Climate Action Plan & Playbook, Climate Action KC

6 p.m. The Alchemy of Compost, Missouri Organic Recycling

7 p.m. Project Drawdown Actions in KC, KC Drawdown Society

Sunday, April 19