Extinction Rebellion Ireland invited people to join them on bikes, skateboards and rollerblades for biodiversity.

Climate activists Extinction Rebellion Ireland held a 'slow cycle' through Dublin City today to mark Earth Day.

Meeting at the Garden of Remembrance at 10am, participants arrived on bikes, skateboards and rollerskates for the journey through the city centre.

Dublin Cycling Campaign always happy to help with cycling events! Get in touchhttps://t.co/WIrDN1PeFx pic.twitter.com/wIpUOT3d4B

— Dublin Cycling Campaign (@dublincycling) April 22, 2023

Earth Day was created 52 years ago to demonstrate the importance of protecting the environment.

A photo of Ireland taken from the International Space Station has been re-tweeted by Dunsink Observatory to celebrate the occasion.

Meanwhile Tourism Ireland has marked the day by encouraging people to enjoy Ireland's natural beauty with a list of activities ranging from seaweed foraging along the coast, to sleeping in star-lit domes in Northern Ireland, or cuddling cows in the Burren.

The GAA is offering 'GAA Green Club Toolkits' to any GAA, LGFA or camogie club in Ireland that want to introduce "simple and effective sustainability actions" in their club.

In central London, Extinction Rebellion says thousands are expected at a march for biodiversity. Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist says officers are ready for any disruption.

"We're really hoping that is isn't a destructive or damaging event," he said. "As we might have seen a few years ago."

Greenwashing

The founder of Earth Day Denis Hayes said he is "appalled" by environmental messaging from oil, gas and other extractive companies.

He said he hoped it did not distract attention from the threats posed by the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.