Earth Day 2016: Google Doodle marks global environmental event

Over a billion people are expected to take part in the event, and in more than 190 countries around the world

Google's Doodle for Earth Day 2016 features a range of colourful illustrations by "doodler" Sophie Diao (Google)

Google Doodle is marking Earth Day with a range of colourful illustrations of natural landscapes around the world.

Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22 April, and encourages people to look after the planet by being environmentally friendly.

This can range from small acts like recycling more and collecting litter, thus lowering your carbon footprint.

But it doesn’t stop there. “This Earth Day and beyond, let’s make big stuff happen,” say the Earth Day Network, who co-ordinate the global event. “Let’s plant 7.8 billion trees for the Earth. Let’s divest from fossil fuels and make cities 100% renewable. Let’s take the momentum from the Paris Climate Summit and build on it.”

When did it start?

The idea for Earth Day came after a particularly bad oil spill disaster took place in California in 1969. Politicians and activists banded together to push for environmental reform, and held the first Earth Day on 22 April, 1970. Twenty-million Americans reportedly took part in demonstrations across the country, and the day is now credited with spawning the global green movement.

Why is it happening?

Green campaigners have achieved a lot since 1970, and there have been many environmental reforms thanks to their efforts. One of the most significant took place in 2015, when over 130 countries pledged their support for the historic Paris Agreement.

But there is still a lot more to be done, whether it's personally being more green, or putting pressure on governments to improve their policies.

The theme for 2016 is Trees for the Earth. According to the Earth Day Network, the planet is losing 15 billion trees each year. Their goal is to therefore plant 7.8 billion trees by Earth Day 2020 – one for every person on the planet.

To find out more: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/earth-day-toolkit/

What is happening?

One billion people are expected to celebrate Earth Day this year. There will be demonstrations in over 190 countries around the world, and events will include tree planting, environmentally themed parades, litter collecting and informational sessions.

You can find details of what’s happening in your area by visiting www.earthday.org