Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

Earth Day has been an annual observance since 1970. Every year, on April 22, this day is celebrated to honour the only habitat from the solar system—Earth! Addressing the issues which the Earth faces is the primary focus of this once-a-year practice. However, with continuous efforts following the reminder, positive changes can be made to make Earth more secure, sound, and liveable for all living beings. Following the tradition, Earth Day 2025 comes up with the theme of ” Our Power, Our Planet”. Moreover, this year, the focus is on the quick adaptation of renewable energy through combined efforts. The aim is to triple the clean electricity by 2030.   

The Need to Celebrate Earth Day  

We all know that our planet Earth is facing serious environmental issues. These issues are multi-faceted and need an emergency focus and a genuine approach to a solution. The issues like pollution, climate change, deforestation, and endangered species are the results of unhealthy activities.   

Therefore, mindful living is the need of the hour. We all need to come together, as our planet is facing dire climate change and depletion of natural resources. For the same reason, 2025 is declared a crucial year for the environment.   

Mother Earth is calling us to recover and restore our ecosystems. These ecosystems support life on Earth. Restoration of the same will help us combat and reverse the curses like poverty, climate change, and mass extinction.   

Let’s share a fun fact regarding Earth Day. Its name was suggested in the following way. 
The name “Earth Day” was coined by adman Julien Koenig in 1970 because it rhymed with “birthday” (his was April 22) and had broad appeal. Organiser Denis Hayes popularised it through a bold New York Times ad, sparking a global movement now celebrated in 192 countries.  

Bonus: The first Earth Day was largely funded by labour unions, not corporations.  

Earth Day 2025  

On April 22, 2025, Earth Day is being celebrated worldwide. The theme for the year is our power, our planet. This year, people are called in for a collective effort for a quick adaptation of renewable energy to generate 3x green electricity by 2030. Five years from now.   

Renewable Energy Stats  

The Economists explained the unprecedented scope of solar energy across the globe. It shows a double installation of solar power every three years. As a result, it is highly anticipated that if the trend remains the same, there are high chances of solar becoming the largest energy source by mid-2030, a decade from now!  

The major geo-political players are investing hard in solar to consume its unleashed potential. This heavy investment and adaptation will help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Therefore, it would have a positive impact on the environment.  

Pakistan is also following the same pattern, and by now. We are experiencing a push towards solar power, which is supported by government initiatives and private inclusion. According to the WEF, from 2020-23, Pakistan raised from less than 1 GW to 3 GW by 2024. The shift is helpful in financial and environmental ways. However, to meet its target of getting 30% solar power by 2030 needs more storage, grid upgrades, and stable policies.   

It is important to know that there are multiple sources of renewable energy, and solar is one of them. To address the requirements of Earth Day 2025 celebrations in its truest sense, we need to explore all.  

Other Sources of Renewable Energy  

Renewable energy sources are not limited to solar energy; they also include wind and greener sources. The world is going towards collaboration for the reduction of fossil fuels on the planet. This is the aim of Earth Day 2025. UNEA-7 Renewable Energy Highlights are an example of this collaborative effort.   

What can we do in Pakistan for Renewable Energy Adaptation?   

In Pakistan, we have witnessed a rise in the acceptance of solar across the consumer base. The residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers are the major players in the country for green energy adaptation. We all can benefit from the government schemes and authorised support systems approved by the SBP. The loans and financial support are duly available for the interested parties.    

According to the available data, the future of solar energy is bright in Pakistan. Following the best environmental practices, the Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST) has also made the largest energy-efficient campus in Pakistan. Furthermore, CUST has been ranked the 7th most sustainable university in Pakistan according to the UI Green Metrics of 2023-24.   

Our directorate of sustainability and environment (DSE) is working hard and smart to generate sustainable strategies and initiatives. These practices are highly impactful and practical towards the environmental factors, awareness, pointing out issues, and possible solutions.   

Conclusion  

Earth Day 2025 is a reminder to speed up the efforts to safeguard our planet through the acceptance and adaptation of renewable energy sources for clean and green solar energy, leading to reduced fossil fuels and carbon footprints.