• by Todd Wasserman , April 22, 2022

As we celebrate the 52^nd Earth Day, the world’s progress in combating climate change is a mixed bag. On the one hand, thanks to the Clean Air Act and other policies that have brought down air pollution since 1970, Americans now experience much lower levels of particulate matter, ozone and other unhealthy pollutants in the air we breathe.

On the other hand, fossil fuels still account for the largest share of U.S. energy production and consumption. While renewables and nuclear energy are making gains, energy in the U.S. is still primarily composed of coal, natural gas and petroleum.

But fossil fuels are on the decline in the U.S. and public sentiment has turned. Some 57% of Americans surveyedc in 2019 agreed that fossil fuel companies were responsible for the damages caused by global warming, according to a Yale University study.

Noting the change in public opinion, many brands have pledged support this Earth Day. Below are some of the most notable campaigns.

Seventh Generation

While not an Earth Day ad per se, Seventh Generation, an environmentally conscious brand, has rolled out a spot featuring a young girl buying Seventh Generation laundry detergent and mentioning that the average person generates over 200 lbs. of plastic a year. The checker then appears flabbergasted.

Ikea

The Swedish furniture brand has teamed with the World Surf League to create a collection that embraces the surfer’s mindset. The video shows Ikea spokespeople picking up garbage on the beach.

Toyota

In this video, Toyota celebrates “our favorite little marble in the galaxy,” with a commitment to be smarter and more sustainable. By 2050, Toyota pledges to reduce CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 90%. Toyota is also moving toward paperless billing. Toyota also plugs the bZ4X, an electric vehicle that is said to be the model for Toyota Lexus RZ.

GoPro

The brand celebrates the earth with photography from the mountains and seas.