Since its inception, Earth Day has served as a crucial annual reminder of our planet’s fragility and the environmental challenges it faces.
It has served as a basis for raising awareness, sparking conversations, and inspiring pledges and commitments.
However, as we approach Earth Day 2025, the emphasis must shift. Yes, awareness is vital, but it is no longer enough; the time for a decisive, lasting action is now!
Indeed, there are so many challenges, and they are quite well documented. Think of the escalating impacts of climate change, the alarming loss of biodiversity, and the pervasive threat of all types of pollution: air, water, and the like.
These concerns have never been more urgent. Now is the time for meaningful change! Yes, the celebration of Earth Day has successfully illuminated these issues, bringing them to the forefront of public consciousness.
But the question we must now ask ourselves is: how do we translate this understanding into tangible results?
Fun Facts
Earth Day is a global event held every year on April 22nd since its inception in 1970. It was a response to growing concern about environmental degradation and pollution.
The day was set aside to celebrate Earth’s natural resources, encourage environmental stewardship, and inspire people to take action to combat environmental challenges.
Earth Day often highlights issues like ‘good old’ climate change challenges, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and the need for energy solutions.
Earth Day is now celebrated in over 193 countries, involving over a billion people globally. This year’s celebration marks the 55th Anniversary. Each year, Earth Day has a specific theme, often focusing on a particular environmental challenge.
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet”. This theme, according to EarthDay.org, advocates for a tripling of global renewable energy generation by 2023, by creating electricity through solar, wind, hydro, tidal, and geothermal.
It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to be a united front behind renewable energy sources like those mentioned above.
The beautifully designed poster above was created for this year’s celebration by Alexis Rockman, an Earth Day enthusiast and an Artist, to serve as a powerful reminder that we have energy options, and renewable energy can fuel our future without harming the planet.
Global Accords
International agreements have long provided the foundation for environmental governance. Accords such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development.
These agreements outline critical goals; however, their effectiveness depends on implementation and enforcement.
A notable legal precedent reinforcing accountability is the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling in Duarte Agostinho v. Portugal and Others (2024).
In this case, multiple European governments were held liable for failing to safeguard their citizens from climate-related harm. The decision highlights the growing role of legal systems in compelling national governments to uphold their climate commitments.
For Ghana, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, the pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 64 MtCO2e by 2030 through reforestation and renewable energy initiatives is commendable.
However, real impact requires robust monitoring and transparent enforcement mechanisms to ensure that commitments translate into tangible results. Earth Day 2025 presents an opportunity to reassess Ghana’s progress, address gaps in policy execution, and reinforce accountability measures.
Legal Precedents
Globally, legal interventions have been instrumental in enforcing environmental protections. The National River Ganga v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2017) case in India, where the court recognized the Ganges River as a legal entity, illustrates how granting natural ecosystems legal rights can fortify conservation efforts. Could Ghana adopt a similar approach to protect its forests and water bodies from further pollution?
The problem of illegal mining (galamsey) has posed a persistent threat to vital water sources in Ghana. Landmark cases such as The Republic v. Huang Ruixia (Aisha Huang) & Others (2023) highlight the government’s effort to combat illicit mining activities.
However, despite legal action, enforcement remains inconsistent, and water bodies such as the Densu, Pra, and Offin rivers, as well as other water bodies, continue to suffer severe pollution. Ghana must adopt stricter penalties for environmental violations and improve law enforcement to ensure that our conservation laws are upheld.
Ghana’s Role in Turning Policies into Concrete Action
Several environmental policies have been introduced in Ghana, including the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and the Renewable Energy Master Plan, aimed at fostering sustainability. However, challenges persist in their implementation.
Reforestation projects, for example, often face setbacks due to logging, agricultural expansion, and the ‘good old’ challenges of mining (galamsey) activities. The continued degradation of the Atewa Forest Reserve, a critical biodiversity hotspot, exemplifies the struggle between economic development and conservation.
To my mind, there should be a fundamental shift in our approach. We should move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace concrete, long-term solutions. This requires a multi-pronged strategy involving individuals, communities, businesses, and the government.
For individuals, this means integrating sustainable practices into our daily lives. From reducing our consumption and making conscious purchasing decisions to actively participating in local environmental initiatives, every action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the larger picture.
For communities, it necessitates fostering a collective sense of responsibility. Establishing community gardens, organizing local clean-up drives, and advocating for environmentally friendly policies at the local level can create a powerful ripple effect.
For businesses, the transition demands a commitment to sustainable operations and innovation. Investing in renewable energy, adopting circular economic principles, and taking responsibility for their environmental footprint are no longer optional extras but essential components of a responsible business model.
For the government, the onus lies in not just enacting robust environmental regulations, investing in green infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation to address these challenges, but strict enforcement measures are also critical.
Conclusion
Earth Day 2025 presents a unique opportunity to galvanise this shift towards action. Let us not treat it merely as another day for reflection, but as a launchpad for sustained engagement.
We must move beyond simply acknowledging the problems and actively participating in creating the solutions. This requires commitment, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future.
The time for talk is over. The time for lasting action is here. Let Earth Day 2025 be the year we collectively roll up our sleeves and truly begin to transform our awareness into the meaningful change our planet so desperately needs. Stop Galamsey now! “Our Power, our Planet”!
Edna Obiri is a dedicated lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, where she inspires the next generation of legal professionals.
Beyond academia, Edna is a passionate advocate for environmental and climate issues. She actively promotes awareness and solutions to address global environmental challenges, blending her legal expertise with a deep commitment to sustainability and justice. With a vision for a better future, Edna empowers students not only to excel in law but also to contribute meaningfully to protecting the planet.
