Earth Day Serves as a Reminder that the Power to Protect the Planet Resides with the People
In recognition of Earth Day, Texas A&M University at Galveston Researchers Drs. Quigg, Matich, Armitage and Ross Share Their Thoughts on Why Sustainability is so important to life on the third rock from the sun
In 1968, the world experienced a transformative view of Earth from lunar orbit. The iconic “Earthrise” photograph taken by astronaut Bill Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission, captured the image of Earth rising above the barren lunar horizon. The profound photograph significantly influenced the environmental movement, offering a new perspective on the fragility of our planet and all the life it supports, both on the surface and beneath.
Since 1970, April 22 has served as Earth Day. Throughout the 56 years of observations of Earth Day, protecting the planet all humans share with every other known living thing in the universe has been the mission and purpose.
This year’s Earth Day 2026 theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”,” highlights renewable energy, collective action, and building a sustainable, equitable future. At Texas A&M University at Galveston, one of only 17 national institutions to hold a triple grant designation from the U.S. government: land, sea and space, educating the next generation of stewards of the Earth is at the heart of creating sustainability and showing the interconnectivity of various systems and environments.
“As a faculty member at a Tier One research institution, educating current and future generations of the importance of healthy ecosystems ensures the sustainability of these systems just as much as it ensures the survival of the human race. We must protect the doorstep at which we live and play, the health of these environments reflects human health and vice versa. The best way I can provide this education is through research and scholarship.”
Dr. Antonietta Quigg, Regents Professor, Department of Marine Biology, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies at Texas A&M University at Galveston
From research into tiny plankton to large apex predators like sharks, Texas A&M University at Galveston scientists are looking into ways to protect marine environments and show the importance of adopting more sustainable practices to help not only the marine environments but humanity as well.
“Like all species on the planet, we rely on natural resources. Sustainability is the use of natural resources that can replenish themselves through processes like growth and reproduction, both in the quantities and species we use. Unfortunately, humans tend to use too much, and at times harm species that have a very limited ability to handle human impacts. This fault is in part because our connection to nature and resource extraction has grown more distant through time. As such, we often don’t see the immediate consequences of our actions. Earth Day is a good time to reflect on this and remind us that we’re one of many species on this planet. If we want a healthy planet, then we need to be exhibit more sustainable behaviors.”
Dr. Phillip Matich, Instructional Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Chair, Marine Biology College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies at Texas A&M University at Galveston
While the need for more sustainable behaviors is universal, sustainability can take many forms.
“Sustainability can mean a lot of different things, both personally and professionally. It means using the best available science and traditional local knowledge to manage natural resources like the coastal habitat that supports fisheries. It means minimizing the footprint we leave on the planet through conscientious individual and community-level actions and choices. It means sharing the joy and wonder of the natural world with our communities, from students to neighbors. It means conserving and protecting plants, animals, and habitats for future generations. It means understanding the past so we can adapt to the future,”
Dr. Anna Armitage, Professor & Department Head, Department of Marine Biology, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies, Texas A&M University
The “Earthrise” photo taken over 50 years ago helped plant seeds for the environmental movement. The “Earthset” photo taken on April 6, 2026, during humanity’s return to lunar orbit on the Artemis II mission shows that the work to protect the place we all call home continues. Earth Day 2026 serves as a reminder that environmental progress is real. Sustainability and resiliency are possible despite policy uncertainty thanks to individual and collective action. Research conducted at Texas A&M University at Galveston is part of that effort to protect the planet on Earth Day and beyond. Actions taken to be more sustainable today will benefit the future in countless ways.
“To me, sustainability means that we work together to care for and restore our natural environment so our children not only have a beach to walk on and an ocean to explore but that these habitats are thriving, ensuring that the wonderous nature we steward today is part of their tomorrow.”
Dr. Ashley Ross, associate professor of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science at Texas A&M University at Galveston
