Celebrate Earth Day by having teach-ins, stimulating discussions about climate change UW should dedicate some portion of its classes to talk about global warming and environmental issues Earth Day Today marks the 51st anniversary of the first Earth Day. Founded by Wisconsin Senator and lifelong Badger Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day was created in response to increasing concern from the public about the state of our planet. Nelson had the idea to hold “teach-ins” on college campuses to help mobilize young Americans and raise awareness of environmental issues that were only recently coming to light. The first Earth Day inspired organized protests all across the country, with over 20 million Americans calling for greater protection of the environment.