With Earth Day approaching on April 22, 2025, people and students have an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with the planet, think about what they do in their day to day lives that may have an impact on it and consider how they can contribute to its well-being as well as encourage other to do so too.
Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide in order to show support for the initiative to preserve and protect our environment. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events organized globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, engaging over a billion people in more than 193 countries. This day serves as a reminder that it is our collective responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable life choices.
Challenges
Our planet is facing multiple challenges that threaten the health of the environment that we live in, such as – according to the UN – climate change, deforestation, pollution, and gradual loss of biodiversity. As students, who still have a long way ahead of us, it is our job to take care of the planet and make it into a place that we will want to live in. It is crucial to understand that the actions we take today will shape the world we inherit tomorrow.
Problems in Croatia
Croatia has, over the past few years, become a severe victim of these challenges. According to the Climate Change Knowledge Portal, climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather events which can be seen even now, when we are missing out on snowy winters and facing cold springs. This is also impacting our agriculture and tourism, two major parts of our economy. Additionally, recently there have been problems with occuring forest fires, flooding, earthquakes and extreme heat.
Earth Day 2025 in Zagreb: Activities and Events
In Zagreb, Earth Day is accompanied by various activities and events which planned to engage the citizens and promote environmental awareness:
1. Green Clean-Up Initiatives: Local organizations are organizing clean-up drives in parks and along the Sava River. These events are aiming to remove the trash thrown away in nature and restore natural habitats, providing a hands-on opportunity to make a difference. Another activity, which may be suitable for the students of XV. gimnazija, is the Maksimir local clean up event. Citizens of Zagreb are encouraged to come and help clean up certain spaces surrounding the Park Maksimir, 20th of April, at 10 o’clock. Additional information can be found on: https://zagreb.hr/dan-planeta-zemlje/197421
2. Sustainable Workshops: Workshops on topics like recycling, composting, and sustainable living will be held in community centers across the city. These sessions are designed to educate participants on practical ways to reduce the damage caused to our environment. An idea for students looking for a CAS project to do is to organize a workshop like the ones mentioned and this upcoming Earth Day can be a great opportunity to do so.
3. Educational Seminars: Universities and schools will host seminars and discussions on environmental issues. However, a seminar that can be of great interest to you is the one happening in the Zagreb ZOO, the 24th of April 2025. From 11 to 17 o’clock, there will be many workshops and educational presentations about our planet and what we can do to help both the animals and plants who are suffering because of environmental changes. Check it out here: https://zoo.hr/dan-planeta-zemlje/.
4. Tree Planting Ceremonies: Tree planting events are scheduled in several neighborhoods, improving the commitment to a greener future of our town. An organization which often prepares such events is the Šumoborci organization. You can learn more about them here: https://compensatingbyplanting.com/sumoborci/.
