John McConnell proposed an Earth-honoring day in San Francisco at a 1969 UNESCO conference.
McConnell was a peace and environmental activist who wanted a worldwide observance celebrating Earth’s life and beauty while encouraging peace and ecological responsibility. He presented the idea in October 1969 during a UNESCO conference held in San Francisco.
His proposal was distinct from the campaign later led by Senator Gaylord Nelson and organizer Denis Hayes, which produced the large American environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. These parallel origins are why Earth Day has more than one founding story in historical accounts.
McConnell’s vision led to a San Francisco proclamation on March 1, 1970, followed by a first celebration on March 21, the spring equinox. He also designed the Earth Flag and developed a broader Earth Day Proclamation for worldwide use. The United Nations continues to associate the equinox observance with peace-bell ceremonies.