Apr. 22, 2020 (NY Times Climate Forward) -Earth Day turns 50 today. The original wave of coast-to-coast demonstrations in 1970 not only transformed American priorities, leading to landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act, but helped shape the modern global environmental movement.

In the past half-century, air and water pollution have plummeted in the United States, the bald eagle is no longer endangered, and environmental laws pioneered in America have set a model for nations around the world. But since then, other threats have grown, including climate change, tropical deforestation and a staggering loss of global biodiversity.

Here is a look at what’s gotten better and what’s gotten worse in the five decades since millions of people marched to demand a cleaner, healthier environment.

-Washington, D.C. - April 24, 2020 (InvestorIdeas) Despite 3.9 billion people sheltering in place and the tragedy of the pandemic, over 100 million people took action in 192 countries in honor of Earth Day's 50th Anniversary. Mayors, national governments, and multilaterals made commitments on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate literacy, plastics, renewable energy, and other issues, while faith groups around the world held virtual prayer services in support of ending climate change. People pledged to vote, parents and teachers educated millions of their students and children about climate change and environmental issues, and hundreds of millions of trees were planted.

Earth Day Network (EDN) also hosted a live-streamed digital event broadcast around the globe and across platforms. With messages of unity, teach-ins and artist performances, the all-day event featured global leaders, activists, actors, artists and musicians.