As Earth Day 2025 approaches, it’s not just another day to celebrate our planet. This year, it’s a rallying cry for a global shift to renewable energy. EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the driving force behind Earth Day, has announced the theme for its 55th anniversary: “Our Power, Our Planet.” The theme is more than just a slogan; it’s a call to action for all of us to embrace renewable energy and work towards tripling global clean electricity generation by 2030.
Why This Theme Matters
For years, many of us were led to believe that fossil fuels were the only way to power our lives. But as Denis Hayes, the organizer of the very first Earth Day in 1970 and Board Chair Emeritus of EARTHDAY.ORG, puts it, “For years we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. That is not true. By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.”
Renewable energy comes from sources like the sun, wind, and water—sources that are not only abundant but also clean. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy doesn’t produce the greenhouse gases that drive climate change or the pollution that harms our health. This shift isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.
A Global Movement Gains Momentum
The numbers tell a powerful story. In the first six months of 2023, renewable energy made up 25% of the electricity generated in the United States. And this is just the beginning. Experts predict that by 2035, countries like the U.S. could meet their energy needs 365 days a year using only renewable sources.
Globally, many countries are already leading the way. Forty-nine nations generate more than half of their electricity from renewable sources. Countries like Canada, Brazil, Norway, and Sweden are shining examples. Iceland, in particular, stands out, with a staggering 99.99% of its electricity coming from renewable energy.
This progress is encouraging, but we need to accelerate it. EDO’s theme for Earth Day 2025 calls for the global generation of renewable energy to be tripled by 2030. It’s a big goal, but it’s achievable if we all play our part.
The Power of People
Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, believes in the power of grassroots movements to drive change. “We need people power to support the big switch to renewable energy,” she says. “We encourage everyone to talk to your local mayor, boss, neighbors, community leaders, and local and national legislators, to explore and to champion switching to renewables.”
The history of Earth Day shows us just how powerful collective action can be. The first Earth Day in 1970 saw 20 million people take to the streets, sparking the modern environmental movement and leading to cleaner air, water, and wildlife protections. Today, we have the chance to create another wave of change by advocating for renewable energy.
A Humanitarian Revolution
Switching to renewable energy isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a humanitarian one. Around 3.8 billion people don’t reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning their per capita electricity usage is under 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)—a threshold that’s essential for lifting people out of poverty. Renewable energy has the potential to transform this situation, improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes worldwide.
As Aidan Charron, Associate Director of Global Earth Day, explains, “Switching to renewables also represents a humanitarian revolution—for the first time in human history, we have a path to provide virtually unlimited, low-cost energy for everyone, improving the lives of billions of people around the world.”
The health benefits of renewable energy are also significant. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions reduces the risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and the spread of infectious diseases. Reduced air pollution means fewer respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma and strokes.
Economic Opportunities Abound
Beyond the environmental and health benefits, renewable energy presents a huge economic opportunity. In 2023, the global renewable energy market was worth $1.21 trillion, and it’s projected to grow by 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. This growth is expected to create 14 million new jobs worldwide.
“This presents an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurs, industries, and those seeking well-paying careers,” says Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative and Content Officer at EARTHDAY.ORG. However, he acknowledges that the path forward won’t be without challenges. “We acknowledge that our enthusiasm for clean energy faces challenges from well-funded misinformation campaigns—but by championing renewable energy in 2025, we can meet that challenge head on.”
Time for Action
Change can be daunting, but it’s necessary. “We must move away from our dependence on fossil fuels and embrace a sustainable future,” says Kathleen Rogers. And Earth Day 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether it’s installing solar panels on your roof, advocating for green policies in your community, or simply making more informed energy choices, every action counts.
Let’s make 2025 a year of real change—a year when we harness the power of our planet to create a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future for all. Join the movement, and together, let’s make Earth Day 2025 one for the history books.
For more information on Earth Day 2025 and renewable energy, click here.
Details provided in a recent press release.
Jellybeans in the City 