April 22 is the 55th annual Earth Day!
Celebrated around the globe, Earth Day draws people together in recognition that care for the world around us is vital to all life.To celebrate nature and continue advocacy for environmental justice,the Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund is sponsoring this year’s Earth Day celebrations in Prescott. Events will include activities for all ages, a rally, an interfaith service, and more.
Earth Day is just as much, if not more, pertinent today as it was in 1970, when it was first observed. Warmer winters, scorching summers, increased smog and lower water levels in local lakes are some of the changes residents in the area have noted, and many are actively engaged in addressing these issues.
Troubling conditions in the Yavapai County area are raising concerns about extreme wildfire conditions in upcoming months. The southern parts of the county, along with the majority of the state, is in severe to extreme drought, according to the US Drought Monitor report released on February 13. Climate Central, a nonprofit made up of independent scientists who report on the changing climate, reported that the City of Prescott was 33% drier than normal and experienced its second-hottest year on record in 2024. Beyond the immediate problems this causes, if these trends continue we will see detrimental impact on the region in years ahead. Warmer temperatures, forests threatened by wildfires, and decreasing water levels in area lakes will send tourists elsewhere and local residents bearing the burden of economic, health, and safety consequences.
Additionally, water supply problems and environmental-regulation rollbacks are causing alarm. Residents in Granite Mountain Estates, north of Prescott, are already experiencing wells going dry. A study by the Sierra Club of the Grand Canyon released in November 2024 found that, “we must regard the upper Verde (River) as critically endangered and ecologically impaired due to rapidly declining flow.” Organizations have been working hard, and finding some success, in acquiring land slated for development to preserve the natural environment. More needs to be done, however, by the state legislature, the County Board of Supervisors and local municipalities to prevent ecological disaster.
At the federal level, new Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin announced last week that he will roll back dozens of environmental rules. He said the EPA will change policy that restricts air pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants and a measure that restricts emissions from vehicles. In an essay published by The Wall Street Journal Zeldin declared, “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion.”
In the midst of all this, there are ongoing efforts to protect the earth, keep rivers clean and reduce air pollution. Locally, the Quad-Cities Climate Collaborative succeeded in advocating for the City of Prescott 2025 General Plan to include strategies and goals to address energy and climate, such as promoting energy-efficient buildings, conducting municipal energy audits, adding electric-vehicle charging stations, and encouraging workforce development in environmental and climate sectors.
This year’s Earth Day events bring together a strong coalition of local organizations working to make life better for everyone, now and in the future. They invite everyone to the week’s events to learn, celebrate, and advocate for the Earth!
Earth Week events:
Apr. 19: Earth Day environment and nature fair on Cortez Street, 9am-2pm
Apr. 22: Climate rally on the courthouse plaza, 5pm; gather in solidarity to support local environmental justice
Apr. 23: Care of the Earth interfaith service at First Congregational Church, 5pm; music by the Quad-Cities Interfaith Choir and speakers from different faith traditions
Apr. 24: Energy Choice in Arizona, 6:30-8pm; presentation at Prescott College, Crossroads Center
More: prescottearthday.org
