Earth Day (April 22) is no longer only a symbolic environmental event but has become the world’s largest global environmental movement, attracting more than one billion participants across over 190 countries and territories each year.

More than half a century after it began in the US in 1970, the event reflects a profound shift in common perceptions: the environment is a condition for development.

The 2026 message, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is introduced as the world faces a range of serious environmental challenges. It goes beyond a call to action, underscoring that the future of the Earth is shaped at both the policy level and through the actions of individuals and communities.

From the participation of more than 20 million people in the US  in 1970, Earth Day has developed into a global network with millions of initiatives and hundreds of thousands of partners. The focus has shifted from raising awareness to promoting concrete actions, including energy transition, plastic waste reduction and ecosystem conservation.

This shift shows that awareness only has real meaning when it is translated into action. As environmental issues grow more urgent, a “bottom-up” approach is becoming a dominant trend, complementing policies at the policy level.

The 2026 message focuses on “power,” understood not as power in the sense of control but as the ability to create change through daily choices. From saving energy and limiting single-use plastics to changing consumption habits, each small action contributes to the collective effort.

According to Earthday.org, scientific warnings in recent years have made this message even more urgent. The United Nations has described global warming as a “code red for humanity,” underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. Rising ocean temperatures, melting ice and more frequent extreme weather all indicate unprecedented pressure on the Earth’s ecosystems.

Waiting for perfect solutions is no longer feasible. Instead, step-by-step changes carried out on a large scale can make a significant impact.

As primatologist Jane Goodall has stressed, no one can solve the environmental crisis alone. Real power lies in the combined efforts of the community, with each individual contributing to a common solution. Even small actions, such as turning off unnecessary lights, reducing plastic use or joining clean-up activities, are part of that solution.

During Earth Week (April 18-22), tens of thousands of activities are being carried out worldwide, from tree planting and environmental clean-ups to education campaigns and policy advocacy. Promoting renewable energy, particularly solar power, remains a focus to reduce emissions and limit reliance on fossil fuels.

In Vietnam, Earth Day 2026 is observed not only as a movement but also in connection with specific policies and programmes. Community campaigns such as “Earth Day Vietnam 2026” are drawing large numbers of people to join clean-up activities, tree planting and awareness-raising efforts in many localities.

Earth Hour continues to be a highlight with the message “Green innovation – Green future.” The programme goes beyond switching off lights, expanding into communication and community activities that promote energy-saving lifestyles. During one hour of lights-off, the country saves about 463,000 kWh of electricity.

At the policy level, these activities are placed within the national programme on economical and efficient use of energy for 2019-2030. The Government is boosting energy transition, renewable energy, green transport and sustainable production models.

The growing participation of young people, through digital campaigns and volunteer activities, is generating new momentum for the green transition. These efforts indicate that Vietnam is gradually integrating the spirit of Earth Day into its development strategy, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The message “Our Power, Our Planet” is not just a slogan but a reminder of shared responsibility. As environmental challenges intensify, what matters is not waiting but taking action through small but consistent efforts with a ripple effect, through which collective strength is built and multiplied to protect the planet.

Environmental protection – an urgent issue

(VOV) - An international seminar on sustainable manufacturing and environmental management was held in Hanoi on October 6.