Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s
natural environment. It was founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson
of Wisconsin (below). While this first Earth Day was focused on environmental
issues in the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was
the original national coordinator in 1970, took it to the international level in 1990
and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally and
is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.

 
U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson

 
Cleaning up on the first Earth Day

‘Moondog’ Alan Freed

Broadcast journalist Barbara Walters was a popular morning news anchor 
for over 10 years on NBC’s Today, where she worked with Hugh Downs  
and Frank McGee. She moved to the ABC television network in 1976 
and became the first female co-anchor of the ABC Evening News,
working with Harry Reasoner until 1978.

 

(April 22, 1976)