Observances & special days · in 312 days
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day 2027 is on Thursday, April 22, 2027.
Earth Day 2027 falls on Thursday, April 22, 2027.
A global day of environmental awareness and action, first held in 1970.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 17. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Earth Day
Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin organised the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, inspired by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the energy of the anti-war movement. An estimated 20 million Americans participated that day, making it the largest single-day protest in US history at the time. It led directly to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency later that year, plus the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. Earth Day went global in 1990 with mobilisations in 141 countries.
How Earth Day is celebrated
Tree planting, community cleanups, school programmes, climate marches and environmental policy announcements mark the day. The Paris Agreement on climate change was signed on Earth Day 2016. Many businesses now use the day to announce sustainability commitments.
Did you know?
The first Earth Day in 1970 drew 20 million Americans, about 10% of the US population.
Earth Day directly led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The Paris Agreement was opened for signature on Earth Day, April 22, 2016.
Earth Day in upcoming years
How the date is set
Always April 22.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Earth Day, see these references.
Related dates
Earth Day: questions and answers
When is Earth Day 2027?
Earth Day 2027 falls on Thursday, April 22, 2027.
What day of the week is Earth Day this year?
In 2026, Earth Day is a Wednesday, April 22.
How is the date of Earth Day determined?
Always April 22.