This is also a great example of how graphic design can be used to spread messages of hope, change and inspiration. That’s what I want to do!

In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, African Penguins, rehabilitated victims of oil pollution, are released back into the sea in front of hundreds of participants. So adorable!

In Wellington, New Zealand, community members performed a “Solar Panel Boogie” at sunrise.

In Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, participants in a climate festival formed a giant ‘350.’

In Oslo, Norway, activists relax outside the famous new Opera House in Oslo after a bike race around the city.

In Shangri-La, China, concerned citizens gathered at the temple to promote the spiritual connection to preserving the earth, its climate and its people, and spelled out ‘350’ in prayer flags.

In Baku, Azerbaijan, kids broke out the power drills to promote solar power as a solution to climate change. Kids with power drills! Hells yeah!

In New York City, The Columbia University Marching Band forms a ‘350’ on the field.

And Swedes will not be outdone! In Stockholm, activists dressed up in sun, wind and water costumes thanked people in the subway for choosing public transport and invited them to participate in the other activities taking place at Sergels Torg, the central square.

Efter filmen var det paneldiskussion med Denis Hayes som grundade Earth Day (den största massprotesten som någonsin hållits i detta land — organiserad enbart genom brevskrivande och några telefonsamtal) för 40 år sedan, regissören Robert Stone och Times-journalisten Michael D. Lemonick. Väldigt intressant att få insikt från de som har varit med ett tag. Man kan ju bli lite blåögd ibland och tänka att vi är det första generationen som försökt åstadkomma ändring vad gäller miljöfrågor, men så är det ju självfallet inte. Berömda filmregissören Spike Lee var en av de ca 25 personer på plats i salongen. Se hela filmen på nätet.

TRANSLATION
I just went to a press-screening of Earth Days, a documentary about the history of the environmental movement in the U.S. It’s incredible how the future-optimism and rebel-spirit of the 60s and 70s turned into apathy and egotism in the 80s and 90s. From free love, demonstrations and communal living to Wall Street, jealousy and capitalism. Popular movements are, largely, the only way we have ever been able to accomplish large societal changes. In Sweden, we have become a bit used to everything being taken care of by the government, so that we don’t have to take to the streets and protest. Here in the U.S. it’s a bit different, most people have very little trust in the government (which has improved a bit since Obama won the Presidency, but still), so we have to take it upon ourselves to learn about important issues and fight for what we believe in.

After the movie there was a panel discussion with Denis Hayes, who founded Earth Day (the largest mass-protest ever held in this country — organized almost completely by writing letters and making a few phone calls) 40 years ago, director Robert Stone and Times journalist Michael D. Lemonick. It was very interesting to get some insight from those who have been there a while. It’s easy to become a bit naïve sometimes and think that we are the first generation who has tried to push for environmental policy change, but that’s of course not the case. Renowned film director Spike Lee was one of the 25 or so people in the audience. Watch the whole film online.