San Francisco, April 6, 2017 – This year marks the 47th anniversary of the first Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970 – a day when more than 20 million Americans took to the streets across the country calling for a healthier and better protected environment. That first Earth Day celebration helped prompt the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts – some of the cornerstones of U.S. environmental policy.
“Forty-seven years later and the importance of Earth Day and the call to protect and preserve our environment is no less relevant or urgent,” said Debbie Raphael, Director of the San Francisco Department of Environment. “We must remain vigilant and pro-active if we are to preserve the progress we have made and thwart attempts to turn back the clock. With our forward-thinking public policies and a thriving economy, I believe that San Francisco will continue to lead the way forward, and be a model for other cities and counties throughout the country when it comes to climate action and environmental protections.”
This Earth Day, the City & County of San Francisco will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the San Francisco Commission on the Environment and the San Francisco Department of Environment. The Commission and the Department are responsible for overseeing the City’s ambitious climate action goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 40% by 2025 and 80% by 2050. Over the years, the Commission has helped guide some of the City’s groundbreaking and precedent-setting environmental policies such as setting the goal of achieving zero waste to landfill, banning single-use plastic bags, and making San Francisco the first city in the nation to require all new buildings to install rooftop solar.
While Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22nd, it inspires environmental action throughout the month of April, and throughout the year. San Francisco’s Climate Action Strategy has demonstrated that it is possible to reduce the harmful emissions that cause global climate change at a citywide scale. Individual and community-driven actions can make a difference.
This Earth Day, San Franciscans can help protect the health of our communities, our environment, and our city by renewing their commitment to climate action. Whether it is putting that banana peel in the green bin or signing up for CleanPowerSF or biking to work every day, San Franciscans can help make a difference during Earth Month and throughout the year. For a list of local actions with global impacts, visit: www.sfenvironment.org/climateaction
Throughout April, San Francisco will play host to many events and activities showcasing and motivating climate action through art, education, film, public policy, and community gatherings. Visit sfenvironment.org/earthday for a list of events.
Download this press release (PDF) >
Related Content
2017 Earth Day Events in San Francisco >