It’s Earth Month! Earth Month is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and bounty of our planet, while also embracing our responsibility to curb our environmental impact to protect the earth for future generations. Earth Month is globally observed and was inspired by Earth Day, which is an annual event focused on demonstrating support for environmental protection.
Earth Day was first proposed in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Nelson as a teach-in on college campuses inspired by the student anti-war movement. The first Earth Day was chosen for April 22nd because it was a weekday that fell between Spring Break and Final Exams and it was thought that the date would maximize the greatest student participation.
Lehigh has celebrated Earth Day and Earth Month since the inception of these observances. Today, Lehigh continues the tradition of observing Earth Month as a time to teach and learn by hosting a month of educational and engaging events. This year’s Earth Month includes a myriad of events hosted by clubs, organizations, and departments all across campus. Two key events are the Earth Month Speaker and the Earth Day Fair, which is coming back for the first time since before the Pandemic began in 2020.
Earth Month Speaker
This year’s Earth Month Speaker is Attorney Ruth Santiago. Attorney Santiago is a Lehigh alumnus. On Tuesday, April 18th at 7 PM in the Sinclair Auditorium, Attorney Santiago will give a talk entitled “Climate, Environmental Justice and Distributed Renewable Energy in
Puerto Rico and Beyond.” In it she will discuss the 2017 and 2022 hurricanes and other events associated with the climate crisis in Puerto Rico. In light of the pressing need to decarbonize, decentralize, and democratize the grid, she will consider alternatives to the traditional electric system design and possible applications to places beyond Puerto Rico.
Earth Day Fair
Coming back for the first time since 2019 is the Earth Day Fair! Lehigh Sustainability’s vibrant, outdoor Earth Day Fair gives students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to learn from and interact with a myriad of booths showcasing sustainability clubs, initiatives, programs, and departments from around campus!
“I am thrilled to bring back the Earth Day Fair! Over 20 sustainability-related clubs, programs and initiatives will be showcased and it is heartwarming that our community will gather once again in celebration of Earth Day and Lehigh's commitment to becoming a model sustainable campus. I welcome you to join us for our Earth Month festivities and participate in this global celebration,” said Audrey McSain, Sustainability Director.
Join us in celebrating Earth Day on Thursday, April 20th from 11 AM - 2 PM on the STEPS Lawn!
Join Us!
Please join the Lehigh community in celebrating Earth Month 2023! For more information on all of the Earth Month events, please head to our website and follow Lehigh Sustainability on Instagram and LinkedIn for all the latest news!