DeKalb County Celebrates Earth Day 2025

DeKalb County recognizes and celebrates the history of Earth Day and the modern environmental movement, recognizing that all forms of life on Earth maintain an inherent right to a healthy, sustainable, and livable natural environment.

EARTHDAY.ORG, the global organizer of Earth Day and the largest recruiter of environmental movements worldwide, has proclaimed this year’s theme “our power, our planet,” a call to action through education, advocacy and community support. 

There is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is a result of the combustion of fossil fuels and is causing rising temperatures, heatwaves, extreme weather events, pollution, and a range of environmental crises, that directly impact food security, public health, the housing crisis, and the economy. As a result, climate change has become the most urgent challenge of the 21st century.

DeKalb County is a leader in sustainability and has received the Gold Level recognition for the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities Program, expanded the County’s fleet to be 13% run on alternative fuel including electricity and is home to a network of 59 miles of greenways and trails and has several Commissioners committed to sustainability in their district.

“As CEO, it is my desire to foster greater intergenerational awareness and support for policies, projects and behavioral changes that embody social and environmental stewardship,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “We share equal responsibility in preserving the health and vitality of our shared natural resources.”

In 2021, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry  introduced a resolution for “a Vison and Transition Plan of 100% Clean Energy and Clean Transportation powering the County's needs by 2050.” The Board of Commissioners approved this resolution and set the goal of 100% renewable energy in all energy-use sectors, including transportation, by 2050.

“Sustainability and ‘going green’ is foundationally about improving our environment - cleaner air, purer water, and a healthier quality of life for everyone,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “But going green is also about saving ‘green’. We can save the earth and save money. In fact, it is the responsible thing we must do, both fiscally and for the health and safety of DeKalb County residents.”

On this Earth Day, Dekalb County recommits to its clean energy goals in order to mitigate climate disaster and protect the environment and community’s health.