20 million
Number of Americans who took to the streets, parks and auditoriums on the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, to advocate for a more sustainable environment. The event led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
30,000: Estimated number of people who participated in an Earth Day march on the National Mall on Sunday, the flagship Earth Day event sponsored by the Earth Day Network and the Green Apple Festival.
4,000: Number of 2008 Earth Day events registered through the Earth Day Network, though the organization says many more events than that are taking place.
1 billion
Number of people around the world expected to celebrate Earth Day this year. Current Earth Day events are less about massive rallies, as they were in 1970, and now include school-sponsored events, local cleanups and fundraising parties.
53% Drop in emissions of the six principal air pollutants in the U.S. between 1970 and 2005
48%: Rise in U.S. energy consumption between 1970 and 2005
178%: Rise in vehicle miles traveled between 1970 and 2005
[SOURCES: EARTH DAY NETWORK; EPA]
