Sting, John Legend, James Cameron, Reverend Jesse Jackson and other artists and thought-leaders are headlining the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. Activities kick off with service events April 17 and conclude with The Climate Rally on April 25.
The event will focus on tree plantings and school greenings to environmental rallies, live music events and community dialogues with elected officials.
More than one billion people are taking action for Earth Day to fight climate change and build a global green economy.
Earth Day Network and its partners are orchestrating large events in Washington, D.C., New York City, NY, Rabat, Morocco, Kolkata, India, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan.
“Forty years after the first Earth Day, we are galvanizing people across the globe around this milestone to take action for the environment and find solutions to climate change,” said Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network.
“Together, we will issue the call to our elected leaders to take action that will equitably and effectively address climate change,” she said.
From April 17-25, The National Mall will also host eco-village exhibits and more visual and performance arts.
Here are the Washington, DC Flagship Events on The National Mall, April 17-25
Days of Service and Performance Arts
April 17-18
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, April 17, Earth Day Network will coordinate a volunteer park clean-up project in partnership with the National Park Service and Trust for the National Mall.
Earth Day 40th Anniversary
April 22
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Members of Congress and environmental and industry leaders, including Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Donna Edwards, will speak on the Mall in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
The Climate Rally
April 25
12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Climate Rally will capstone the nine-day event with performances from world-famous musicians and speeches from environmental stewards Reverend Jesse Jackson, film director, James Cameron, Olympic gold medalist, Billy Demong, producer, Trudie Styler and author, Margaret Atwood.
“We are at a pivotal moment in history; environmentally concerned citizens and courageous elected leaders have helped us make great strides for the planet over last 40 years,” said Denis Hayes, Earth Day 2010 Chair.
Visit Earthday.org to find or register service and advocacy events in your community, link to existing partnerships and campaigns and view the schedule of events from April 17 to 25.
Underwriters Laboratories is the U.S. premiere presenting sponsor of Earth Day 2010 and Future Friendly, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Siemens are U.S. co-presenting sponsors.