Pafuri baobab tree. Up to 2,000 years old. Kruger Game Preserve, South Africa.
The oldest living things —
Pafuri baobab tree. Up to 2,000 years old. Kruger Game Preserve, South Africa.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Antarctic moss. 5,500 years old. Elephant Island, Antarctica.
The oldest living things —
Antarctic moss. 5,500 years old. Elephant Island, Antarctica.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Welwitschia mirabilis plant. 2,000 years old. Namib Naukluft Desert, Namibia.
The oldest living things —
Welwitschia mirabilis plant. 2,000 years old. Namib Naukluft Desert, Namibia.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Llareta plant. Up to 3,000 years old. Atacama Desert, Chile.
The oldest living things —
Llareta plant. Up to 3,000 years old. Atacama Desert, Chile.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Mojave yucca. 12,000 years old. Mojave Desert, California.
The oldest living things —
Mojave yucca. 12,000 years old. Mojave Desert, California.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Stromatolites. 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Carbla Station, Western Australia.
The oldest living things —
Stromatolites. 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Carbla Station, Western Australia.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Huon pine. 10,500 years old. Mount Read, Tasmania, Australia.
The oldest living things —
Huon pine. 10,500 years old. Mount Read, Tasmania, Australia.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Posidonia oceanica sea grass. 100,000 years old. Balearic Islands, Spain.
The oldest living things —
Posidonia oceanica sea grass. 100,000 years old. Balearic Islands, Spain.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Bristlecone pine. Uo to 5,000 years old. White Mountains, California.
The oldest living things —
Bristlecone pine. Uo to 5,000 years old. White Mountains, California.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
Rare eucalyptus. 13,000 years old. New South Wales, Australia.
The oldest living things —
Rare eucalyptus. 13,000 years old. New South Wales, Australia.
Courtesy Rachel Sussman
The oldest living things

Editor’s Note: This page has been retired and is no longer being updated.

CNN  — 

Here’s a look at Earth Day, which is celebrated every year.

Facts

Earth Day is celebrated every April 22, but some events take place on the weekends before or after the 22nd.

It was created in the United States to increase public awareness of environmental problems and is now celebrated around the world.

Earth Day is credited with starting the environmental movement in the United States.

Timeline

September 1969 - Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) proposes the idea for a nationwide teach-in about the environment.

April 22, 1970 - The first Earth Day takes place across the United States. Approximately 20 million people participate, taking to the streets and parks to demonstrate for environmental causes.

1970 - Congress creates the Environmental Protection Agency and passes the Clean Air Act.

1990 - The 20th anniversary of Earth Day sparks renewed interest and an increase in activities and participation.

1995 - Senator Nelson is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role as Earth Day founder and his work on other environmental issues.

April 22, 2007 - Activists rally on Capitol Hill for drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions - 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

March 31, 2016 - The United States and China issue a joint presidential statement concerning climate change. US President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping will sign the Paris Agreement, a global commitment confronting climate change, on the forthcoming Earth Day.

April 22, 2017 - The first non-partisan “March for Science” – whose beginnings reflect the viral birth of the Women’s March on Washington – takes place on Earth Day. It is comprised of scientists and their supporters, and largely grew out of opposition to US President Donald Trump’s environmental and energy policies. The main rally occurs on the National Mall in Washington, DC, in addition to more than 500 “satellite marches” taking place around the world.