“Earth Day”, A Call from Creation for Justice and A Wound Remaining on Iran’s Body

The roots of the naming of “Earth Day” go back to the late 1960s, when concerns about the fate of divine creation and environmental crises were increasing. In this context, “John McConnell,” a peace activist and Pentecostal Christian, was among the first to propose the idea of dedicating a day to Earth. In 1969, at a UNESCO-affiliated meeting, he proposed that a global day be designated to honor Earth, peace, and humanity’s shared responsibility for creation. This idea eventually led to a ceremony on March 21, 1970, coinciding with the spring equinox, an approach that emphasized spiritual aspects, human unity, and care for creation.

At the same time, “Gaylord Nelson,” an American senator, with a different but compatible perspective, sought to draw public attention to environmental crises. On his initiative, the first “Earth Day” was held on April 22, 1970; an event accompanied by widespread public participation and quickly transformed into a global movement.

Thus, “Earth Day” emerged from the convergence of two currents: one with spiritual and peace-oriented roots and another with a social and environmental approach. What is celebrated today around the world is a reflection of both perspectives: a call both to the awakening of human conscience and to responsible action for the preservation of the Earth that God has entrusted to us.

Now, every year on such a day, millions of people around the world celebrate “Earth Day”; a day dedicated to reminding humanity of its shared responsibility in protecting a planet that is home to us all. This day is named “Earth” because it draws the attention of the world to this planet itself as the foundation of life, creation, and divine trust; an Earth that is not only a source of life but also a sign of God’s wisdom and power.

From a Christian perspective, Earth is a sacred gift from God to humanity. In “Genesis,” the first book of the Bible 2:15, it is written: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” This verse clearly shows that humans are not absolute owners but guardians and trustees of creation.

However, while many countries on this day endeavor to respond to this responsibility through tree planting, pollution reduction, and raising public awareness, the reality in Iran presents a different and alarming picture.

Iran today faces profound environmental crises; from the drying up of lakes and rivers to severe air pollution and the destruction of natural resources. One of the most painful manifestations of this crisis is the extensive and recurring forest and rangeland fires that destroy a large portion of the country’s vegetation cover each year. This is while in many cases, not only is effective prevention carried out, but there is also no transparent legal prosecution and accountability.

On the other hand, in some provinces of Iran, people are still deprived of access to clean water and health services, rights that are among the most basic human needs. These deprivations not only call into question human dignity but also reveal a deep gap in social and administrative justice.

Furthermore, in Psalm 24:1, it is written: “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This truth reminds us that the destruction of Earth is not merely an environmental crisis but a form of negligence toward divine trust and injustice toward future generations.

Earth Day is an opportunity for reflection, not only for nations taking steps toward environmental protection, but for countries like Iran that now more than ever need change, accountability, and the restoration of a responsible relationship with nature.

In the end, perhaps the main message of this day can be summed up in this question: “Have we as humans been good custodians of the Earth that God has entrusted to us?”