Earth Day 2020
How to celebrate in the time of COVID-19
April 22, 2020 — the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day — will be a global day of science, education, and advocacy to promote the environment. This year’s theme of climate action is especially important, even as our lives are overshadowed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Despite the challenges and limitations presented by COVID-19, there are still many ways to get involved and make a difference. We’ve put together a list of opportunities that cover climate action, virtual science, geography, and ways to appreciate the earth from your own neighborhood.
Climate Action
Learn how to organize and protest during a global pandemic; hear from writers, activists, and scientists during weekly webinars from the Global Climate Strike movement; or take part in the Act On Climate Change Campaign. Want to learn more about the basics of climate change? Organizations like the IPCC, NASA, and UCAR have great sites that walk through the science.
Virtual Science and Education
Earth Day has its own citizen science project, Earth Challenge 2020. It’s not the only project out there though. You can also help model future climates with your home computer, pick from a variety of natural science projects that can be done from home, or contribute environmental themes on OpenStreetMap through OSM Earth. Your local museum, university, city, or county might be hosting a virtual earth day celebration. For example the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. is doing a virtual summit, so be sure to check out local museums and government websites.
Stay Home & Stay Healthy
Find some COVID friendly suggestions from the Earth Day organization, along with other ways you can live more environmentally friendly and take action daily. Learn how to identify the plants, birds, and insects that live in your area during walks, or cozy up and watch documentaries on climate change.
What are your plans for Earth Day 2020? Tell us how you’re celebrating our precious orb on Twitter @osmquality or in the comments below!
By: Ana Ordonez & Alex Sweeney
