4 decades of Earth’s destruction in just seconds 1:29 (CNN) — Millions of people celebrate Earth Day every April 22. Find a look at his story here. Earth Day is celebrated every April 22, but some events take place on the weekends before or after the 22nd. It was created in the United States to raise public awareness of environmental issues and is now celebrated all over the world. Earth Day is credited with starting the environmental movement in the United States. How was it born and since when is Earth Day commemorated? September 1969: Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat, proposes the idea of a nationwide education on the environment. April 22, 1970: The first Earth Day takes place in the US Approximately 20 million people participate, taking to the streets and parks to demonstrate for environmental causes. 1970 – The US Congress creates the Environmental Protection Agency and passes the Clean Air Act. 1990 – The 20th anniversary of Earth Day sparks renewed interest and an increase in activities and participation. 1995-Senator Nelson is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in founding Earth Day and his work on other environmental issues. April 22, 2007 – Activists gather on Capitol Hill calling for drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. March 31, 2016 – The United States and China emit a joint presidential statement on climate change. Then-US President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping will sign the Paris Agreement, a global commitment tackling climate change, on the upcoming Earth Day. April 22, 2017 – The first nonpartisan “March for Science,” whose beginnings mirror the viral birth of the Women’s March on Washington, takes place on Earth Day. It was made up of scientists and their supporters, and largely grew out of opposition to US President Donald Trump’s environmental and energy policies. The main rally occurs on the National Mall in Washington, in addition to more than 500 “satellite marches” taking place around the world.