Earth Day at 50: Progress, Challenges, and Hope for the Future

The river was on fire. Many events led to the first Earth Day 50 years ago and the birth of the modern environmental movement. But perhaps the most striking image is the Cuyahoga River set ablaze due to an oil slick that blanketed the waterway. Millions raised their voice, demanding clean air, water, and land.

And we saw progress. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act were employed to great effect. Regulations on toxic chemicals reshaped the American landscape, including the rescue of the bald eagle population from the impacts of DDT. In our backyard, the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams have improved dramatically. The Bay's underwater grasses are increasing, blue crab populations are rising, and the dead zone is shrinking.

As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we applaud the many environmental victories and the countless benefits they provide. But we also look forward to the next 50 years. And in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we recognize that our progress is fragile. The Bay and its rivers and streams are facing new and growing threats from impacts from climate change, an onslaught of deregulations, and an increasing population throughout the watershed. To meet these challenges and many others, the work of the Coalition and our more than 250 members is critical.

Seeking to equip and inspire our members on Earth Day, we joined forces with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to produce a day of special panels, presentations, and activities. Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we gathered virtually to learn from one another and build relationships in our fight for clean water.

The day kicked off with a distinguished panel of three clean water advocates who were there for the first Earth Day. Shawn Kimbro, Robbi Savage, and Bobby Whitescarver shared stories and lessons from their years of experience and provided insight into the challenges and opportunities that await us over the next 50 years.

We then heard from Kate Fritz, the Executive Director of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay who shared on the crucial role of partnerships in achieving water quality goals and the many thorny challenges to building successful partnerships.

We wrapped up our presentations for the day with a deep dive into the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative (CMC), presented by Liz Chudoba. With acquiring data throughout the watershed playing a critical role in restoring the Bay’s rivers and streams, Liz shared on the history of CMC and how their community science program operates effectively.

Following the presentations, we encouraged Coalition members to get outside to work in their garden, plant a tree, or take a walk and pickup trash. With the COVID-19 pandemic drawing people outside to escape cabin fever, many are remembering the incredible value of nature and clean waterways.

While the burning Cuyahoga River is a distant memory, we still have a long way to go. And with the spirit of the first Earth Day and the powerful movement demanding clean air, water, and land, we will push forward in our work to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams for future generations.

Drew Robinson is the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Senior Communications Manager