SALT LAKE CITY — The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlighting renewable energy sources. 

The organization is calling for renewable energy around the world to be tripled by 2030, saying “the production and use of renewable energy transcends economic systems, political borders and political parties.” 

Renewable energy benefits, drawbacks

Renewable energy comes from natural sources, such as wind, sunlight, and water. According to the United Nations, they are bountiful and replenish faster than they are consumed. 

Additionally, they do not emit harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. 

Fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, take centuries to form — and can be consumed before they are replenished. Scientists have linked fossil fuels to climate change because their emissions trap heat from the sun within Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures. 

Worldwide, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of global energy in 2023. However, the International Energy Agency said renewable energy is expected to meet nearly half of global demand by 2030. 

Despite their earth-friendliness, renewable energy sources come with drawbacks, including high initial costs, weather dependency, and energy storage. 

For example, solar power relies heavily on ample light to generate electricity. Similarly, wind turbines need consistent wind speeds, between 6 and 55 miles per hour, to continue making energy. 

A solar panel canopy is reflected onto a sculpture at the Salt Lake Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Salt Lake City’s Public Safety Building is the first public safety building in the nation to be designed as a net-zero energy building, and also one of the first public safety buildings designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification criteria. (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)

An analysis in 2019 estimated that switching the entire United States to 100% renewable energy would cost $4.5 trillion. However, household costs could be reduced significantly following the transition. A 2022 report by the Rocky Mountain Institute estimated that development could save people $5 billion annually. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. consumers spent approximately $1 trillion on petroleum in 2022. The fossil fuel is used in gasoline, some heating systems, and some electricity generation. 

Earth Day celebrated yearly on April 22 

According to EarthDay.org, April 22 was initially chosen to align with the academic calendars of U.S. college campuses. 

Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, was concerned about the environment. After the Jan. 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, he decided to host “teach-ins” on the campuses, in hopes of channeling the energy of the anti-war movement that was also happening, and popular with young people. 

Earth Day was first held on April 22, 1970. At that time, 10% of America’s population demonstrated in opposition to the impacts of industrial development. 

Events marking Earth Day continued over the next two decades. In 1990, the first global celebration was held. Over 200 million people in 141 countries highlighted environmental issues. 

Related: How did April 22 become Earth Day?

Ways to celebrate Earth Day 2025 in Utah 

On Earth Day, Recycle Utah and Twisted Fern will host an event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature food, drinks, and a silent auction, which will raise money for Recycle Utah’s educational programming. 

Draper IKEA plans to host an event on April 26, the Saturday following Earth Day. 

And on the weekend following Earth Day, Millcreek Common will also host an event. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can participate in STEM activities, exhibits presented by the Jordan River Commission, and an auction. 

Jaxon Mercer, Rachel Starr and Alonso Prieto plant a tree as they join with Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands and other community volunteers for a combined Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration to plant more than 250 trees at the Regional Athletic Complex in Rose Park on Monday, April 22, 2024. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Community events aren’t the only way to celebrate — consider planting trees, visiting a natural area, or researching ways to reduce your plastic consumption or carbon footprint. 

EarthDay.org provided a list of ideas, ranging from small gestures to group projects.