Fifty-five years after the first Earth Day celebration, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” was chosen to commemorate the 2025 edition of this annual event. Earth Day is aimed at demonstrating support for environmental protection.
Back on April 22, 1970, when the inaugural Earth Day was observed, many people were not aware of the power they held as individuals, industries, companies, and even nations. Today, as various environmental challenges impact different regions of the world, it is inspiring to see over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries recognising the potential within their hands to change our shared planet for the better.
Driven by the effect of environmental challenges such as the global warming, fossil fuel dependence, food and biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, and air pollution, the diverse range of events organised globally sends a clear and urgent message for us to use “our power” to protect “our planet.” This is not merely a slogan or campaign title; it should be viewed as a directive. We must acknowledge that the power to alter the course of the climate crisis lies not in distant promises or isolated efforts but in our collective will.
In addition to the human power we hold, this year’s theme highlights power as a resource. In line with the ambitious goal to triple clean electricity through renewable energy by 2030, outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, we must ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The world is at a crossroad. As we confront the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy inequality, it has become clear that the only viable path forward is a complete transition to renewable energy. This shift is not only essential for securing the planet’s future but also for addressing a range of pressing issues that threaten both human health and the environment.
The call to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy is no longer a distant ideal; it is a present-day imperative. The science is clear, the impacts are visible, and the clock is ticking. However, beyond environmental slogans and climate summits lies a simple truth: continuing down our current path is unsustainable, not only for Earth but for ourselves.
Fossil fuels have powered human progress for centuries but at a steep cost. From polluting city air with toxic emissions to destabilising our climate through carbon overload, their legacy is both powerful and destructive. Renewable energy offers a promising future – one where the skies are clearer and the air we breathe is no longer a silent killer.
Our ecosystem is already under pressure from various environmental challenges. We are approaching planetary boundaries while facing additional threats from rising temperatures and acidifying oceans. We have the option to explore renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to significantly lessen the burden on our lands and waters, helping to preserve the fragile balance of life on Earth.
Beyond renewable power from solar, wind, or hydro, we must recognise and harness our moral, intellectual, and collective power – the ingenuity of engineers, the determination of researchers, the activism of communities, and the boldness of youth who refuse to inherit a broken world.
The future isn’t waiting, and neither should we. Happy Earth Day 2025!
By David Praise Fashakin and ‘Seyifunmi Adebote
Fashakin is a Mechanical Engineering Student at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a Renewable Energy Enthusiast
Adebote is an Environmentalist and Communication Professional, a diplomat-in-training and International Development Practitioner. He hosts the Climate Talk Podcast and GreenBytes Wednesday series