Earth Month Hub

Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, brings together people from across the globe to appreciate our environment and advocate for its protection. The inaugural Earth Day in 1970 galvanized 20 million Americans, leading to pivotal environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

At the University of Iowa, students, faculty, and staff have been actively engaged with Earth Day since its inception. On Wednesday, April 22, 1970, they hosted an Earth Day Parade and a Teach-In, which catalyzed the creation of a UI Environmental Curriculum Steering Committee, numerous environmental community organizations, and a variety of pollution reduction initiatives.

Over the years, Earth Day has evolved from a single day of awareness to a month-long celebration. Join us throughout April to explore and celebrate the impactful work our campus and community does to advance sustainability education, research, and action.

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Earth Month 2026

University Events

The Current State of Climate Regulation: Revisiting the Endangerment Finding promotional image

The Current State of Climate Regulation: Revisiting the Endangerment Finding

Friday, March 27, 2026 12:45pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

The EPA’s proposal to reconsider its long-standing Endangerment Finding raises major questions about the future of climate and public health protections in the United States. In this discussion, panelists will begin by explaining what the Endangerment Finding is, why it matters, and how administrative law shapes EPA’s authority to revisit it. The discussion will then turn to the scientific response to EPA’s proposal, including how a coalition of more than 100 climate and health experts came...

The Social Impact of AI Roundtable Discussion promotional image

The Social Impact of AI Roundtable Discussion

Friday, April 3, 2026 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Pappajohn Business Building
The Tippie College of Business Social Impact Community and Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative are hosting a workshop connecting researchers and professionals interested in exploring one of today’s most urgent questions: What is the social impact of artificial intelligence—and how can we shape it for good?
Why do we Defend the Defenders? Exploring layers of sovereignty, legitimacy, human rights, and activism in land and environmental protection  promotional image

Why do we Defend the Defenders? Exploring layers of sovereignty, legitimacy, human rights, and activism in land and environmental protection

Friday, April 10, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

Defend the Defenders” is a global rallying cry to stop egregious levels of violence and repression against environmental activists around the world: at least 146 defenders killed in 2024 alone, over 2,000 in the last decade, and countless more assaulted and imprisoned. But while the call to action is strong and clear, defenders worldwide contend with counter-narratives framing them as self-interested activists trying to bully their way past outcomes of market capitalism and the democratic...

In Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning Science Writer & Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert promotional image

In Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning Science Writer & Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert

Saturday, April 11, 2026 6:00pm
Voxman Music Building
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning Science Writer & Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert as she shares her most important pieces about climate change and the natural world.
Teaching and Learning Outside: Showcase and Roundtable promotional image

Teaching and Learning Outside: Showcase and Roundtable

Thursday, April 16, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Lagoon Shelter House
Join this interactive conversation with Living Labs at Iowa to explore campus sites and gain inspiration from examples of experiential learning outdoors.

Sustainability Case Competition

Friday, April 17 to Saturday, April 18, 2026 (all day)
Pappajohn Business Building
The Tippie Sustainability Case Competition will challenge teams of UI undergraduate students to integrate knowledge from business and sustainability disciplines to solve a real sustainability challenge facing organizations today.

Sustainability Case Competition

Saturday, April 18, 2026 (all day)
Pappajohn Business Building
The Tippie Sustainability Case Competition will challenge teams of UI undergraduate students to integrate knowledge from business and sustainability disciplines to solve a real sustainability challenge facing organizations today.
School's Out at the Stanley | Spring Has Sprung promotional image

School's Out at the Stanley | Spring Has Sprung

Friday, April 24, 2026 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Spring is in full bloom in Mother Earth's garden and at the Stanley! Stop by the museum on your day off from school and bring your unique vision to life using a variety of spring themed crafts.

Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/schools-out-at-the-stanley-spring-has-sprung/3114203

Please arrive in time for children to settle in and begin the project at 2 p.m.

School's Out at the Stanley is offered on days when Iowa City Community Schools District has no...

Community Events

Earth Expo

Saturday, April 11, 2026