22 April 2012: The Earth Day Network announced the collection of one billion environmental commitments from individuals, businesses, governments and civic organizations from around the world under its “A Billion Acts of Green” campaign, which aimed to collect one billion pledges to protect the environment before the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

The campaign was launched in 2010 and aimed to prove that “real change occurs best when millions of people commit to it with their actions.” Under the campaign, individuals or organizations can make pledges to take action to protect the environment, such as to recycle, walk instead of drive, plant trees, and implement large-scale light bulb changes. The Network continues to invite further pledges.

The Earth Day Network announced the achievement of “a billion acts of green” on Earth Day 2012, which is celebrated on 22 April. The Network plans to present the milestone at Rio+20 and use it to urge world leaders to reach a global agreement at the Conference.

In addition to the “A Billion Acts of Green” campaign, the Network organized various events and ran several campaigns to celebrate Earth Day, including the Earth Day 2012 campaign, themed “Mobilize the Earth,” designed to bring people together in calling for a sustainable future. The campaign will make a declaration calling for action to secure renewable energy for all and a sustainable future for the planet. [Earth Day Network Announcement] [A Billion Acts of Green Website]