Earth Day — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Earth Day

Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is a special day when people think about how to take better care of our planet. It is a time to learn about environmental problems, clean up neighborhoods, plant trees, and work together to protect the air, water, and land we all share.

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in the United States. At that time, many people were worried about pollution, smog, rivers filled with trash, and the harm being done to wildlife. A senator named Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day after seeing the damage caused by an oil spill in California. About 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day by holding events, rallies, and cleanups across the country.

The success of the first Earth Day led to important changes in U.S. laws. The Environmental Protection Agency, known as the EPA, was created in 1970. New laws were passed to clean up air and water pollution and protect endangered animals. Earth Day helped show lawmakers and the public that protecting the environment was a priority for millions of people.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries. Events take place in schools, parks, and communities everywhere. People plant trees, pick up litter, reduce their use of plastic, and learn about renewable energy. Schools often hold environmental fairs, poster contests, and recycling drives as part of Earth Day activities.

There are many ways students can help protect the Earth every day, not just on Earth Day. Turning off lights when leaving a room, using reusable water bottles, recycling paper and cans, and planting a garden are all simple steps that make a difference. When many people make small changes together, the positive impact on our planet can be enormous.

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