China • United Kingdom • Mexico • Brazil • United States
In the early hours of April 22, 2025, while our planet spun steadily through space, students from five time zones came together in a single virtual room. Organized by One World in partnership with the students and educators of Westchester Green County (WGC), the gathering was more than a commemorative video call—it was a powerful reminder that sustainability starts with recognizing we all share the same home.
A Real-Time “Night Passing”
Inspired by Yukiko Yamaguchi’s poem Night Passing, the celebration began at 8 a.m. (local time) in China. Chinese students shared environmental victories and challenges as they received the “night shift” from their friends at WGC, who were still in the evening of April 21.
Twelve hours later, at 7 a.m. EST, WGC students officially welcomed Earth Day in the United States. Schools from the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Brazil joined, closing the circle described in the poem: the “night” had been passed hand in hand until everyone shared the same day of awareness.
Student Voices: Our Carbon Footprint Matters
The highlight of both sessions was WGC’s presentation on carbon footprints,delivered in clear, relatable language and packed with practical examples:
- What a carbon footprint is
Every kilogram of CO₂ we emit tells a story—from the electricity that powers our homes to the transport we use to get to school. - Why does measurement come first
“We can’t reduce what we don’t track.” Monitoring emissions uncovers quick wins—switching bulbs, cutting food waste and choosing active transport.
A Unique Opportunity
“For the first time in human history we have the opportunity to create a world of sustainable abundance where we eliminate poverty, hunger and solve our climate change challenge if, if, if, … we learn to work together and collaborate on our Spaceship Earth.”
— Joe Carvin, April 17, 2025
This year’s virtual celebration proved that geographic borders disappear when the mission is shared: safeguarding our pale blue dot. May each 🌎 Earth Day remind us how interconnected we are—and how powerful young people can be in building a carbon-conscious future.
Pass the night along—filled with dreams that change the world. 🕊️
Night Passing
Morning in America
Pass the night to Asian children
When Asian children wake up
Pass the night to European children
When European children wake up
Pass the night to African children.
Children pass the night
because they have
dreams of the future.
They can change the world.
The night passing
is like a race
that never stops
till the end of time.
—Yukiko Yamguchi, Fifth Grade