Earth Day 2025: Climate Activists Protest at Charging Bull and Celebrate Environmental Protection Worldwide

The world marked the 55th annual Earth Day on April 22, 2025, with a mix of celebratory events and passionate protests aimed at raising awareness about climate change and the urgent need for environmental protection. The first Earth Day, held in 1970, was a pivotal moment in the environmental movement, drawing over 20 million people across the U.S. to rallies and demonstrations in schools and public spaces. This year’s Earth Day continues that legacy with global participation, from student-led tree planting projects to high-profile protests.

In New York City, members of the climate activist group Extinction Rebellion staged a dramatic protest at the Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green, near the New York Stock Exchange. The protestors vandalized the iconic statue, claiming that Wall Street is complicit in exacerbating climate change. The defacement of the Charging Bull was a statement against the financial system’s role in funding industries that contribute to environmental harm.

As part of their protest, Extinction Rebellion members later cleaned the statue, symbolizing their call for responsibility and change. The group’s actions were a bold reminder of the growing frustration over the perceived lack of progress in combating climate change, particularly from powerful financial sectors.

Meanwhile, thousands of university students across the world participated in Earth Day activities aimed at fostering environmental stewardship. In Banda Aceh, Indonesia, students engaged in mangrove planting efforts, contributing to local ecological restoration. In Amritsar, India, students gathered at schools to showcase environmental-themed paintings and models, highlighting their commitment to protecting the planet.

Earth Day 2025 saw activists and citizens alike coming together to advocate for policies that combat climate change, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainability. With growing awareness and mounting pressure from grassroots movements, the global community continues to push for meaningful change in how governments and industries approach environmental issues.