During the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated against the impact of industrial development on the planet and human health. It was a powerful showing of public will for a cleaner planet. Proof that the people would not let this issue go unnoticed. We need that same spirit now more than ever.
In the past year, the Trump administration has taken at least 460 actions that directly threaten the environment, our climate, and human health. Agencies have been weakened. Systems have been eroded. And yet, people keep showing up. Because it was never about those in charge—it was our collective power.
This year’s Earth Day theme—Our Power, Our Planet—is not merely a slogan, but an important call to action. Our work cannot and will not be dependent on any administration. It is sustained by communities standing up to the fossil fuel industry, by those who refuse to stay silent in the face of injustices, by health professionals organizing for their patients and a better future.
We gathered some of their stories here to remind you of a fundamental truth this Earth Day and beyond: The challenges are real, but so is our collective ability to face them. The power to create a healthier planet belongs to us. As we strengthen our numbers and carry this work forward, we hope you will join us and encourage others to do the same.
Fighting for Cleaner Air in New Mexico
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Environmental Improvement Board approved a landmark update to its air quality permit fee structure that increases essential funding for inspections, monitoring, and enforcement. Six Healthy Climate New Mexico Champions, including public health and healthcare professionals, provided public comment in person in Santa Fe.
Preparing Florida Doulas for a Hotter World
Photo via Florida Clinicians for Climate Action
Florida Clinicians for Climate Action’s Doula C-HOT program is training doulas to assess climate change-related risks, particularly heat, for pregnant and postpartum women in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. FCCA recently received funding from the Health Foundation of South Florida and the CDC Foundation to help continue this important work.
Supporting Youth Environmental Engagement
In summer 2025, Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate deepened its commitment to youth and community engagement. MHPHC launched its “Environmental Health in a Box” curriculum with youth from the Northern Cheyenne Boys and Girls Club, helping young Montanans explore the links between environmental stewardship and health. MHPHC also helped organize the 2025 Montana Youth Climate Summit, where over 50 students and teachers gathered in Livingston to discuss youth-led climate solutions
Driving Sustainable Healthcare
CACHE North Carolina has helped secure multiple legislative wins that reduce the environmental impact of healthcare, including bans on IV bags and tubing containing DEHP and establishing regulated standards for surgical smoke evacuation.
Inspiring Change for the Next Generation of Health Professionals
Medical students from across all of New Jersey’s medical schools are joining a meet-up this Earth Day to highlight the “wins” from their 2026 Planetary Health Report Cards, share resources, and inspire each other to keep pushing for increased planetary health awareness and accountability among medical schools.
Promoting a Safe and Healthy Environment for Children in Pennsylvania
Image via Gabriel Cisneros, MD, FAAP, Clinicians for Climate Action
Last fall, the Climate and Environmental Health Committee of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics helped create a Pennsylvania Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR). Together with partners at Prescribe Outside, it put forth a vision for children in Pennsylvania to have universal access to outdoor spaces that allow them to play, learn, explore, and thrive. While some children enjoy easy access to beautiful parks and opportunities to experience nature, many others do not. Its hope with the COBOR is to help drive the change needed to extend these opportunities for all children. At a time when children’s physical and mental health are faltering, we need to protect and promote the healing powers of the outdoors more than ever.
Speaking Out Against Fossil Fuel Expansion and Data Centers
From Wisconsin to Georgia, health professionals are making their voices heard against the unprecedented expansion of fossil fuels for data centers. Through news interviews, op-eds, testimonies in front of public service commissions, and public comments, they are making it clear that these decisions will harm our health and our planet. Plus, they are developing educational resources to help strengthen awareness and advocacy capacity.
Honoring Courageous Leadership at Our Planet, Our Health
At the 2026 Our Planet, Our Health Convention in March, we honored the three winners of our inaugural MSCCH Climate and Health Impact Awards: Healthy Climate New Mexico (Community Partnership and Impact Award), Dr. Preeti Jaggi (Mona Sarfaty Climate and Health Champion Award), and the American Thoracic Society (Medical Society Trailblazer in Climate and Health Award). We celebrated their bold leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to climate and health justice. ecoAmerica also honored Dr. Georges Benjamin, American Public Health Association, with the 2025 Climate and Health Impact Award.
Image via Aidan Demolli