On Wednesday April 22 National Geographic will join the rest of the world to celebrate Earth Day. It is a time of year the the voice of the environmentally conscious is at its loudest. Its a time to a talk about the state of the planet, energy innovation and what all of us in the mainstream can do to help curb climate change.

As part of the environmentally conscious, the National Geographic Channel, inconjunction with National Geographic Society and Preserve Our Planet will present a number of programs and events around the globe that will showcase Earth Day 2009.

Here are just a few that I am looking forward to checking out...

2008 was the year of Earth innovation. During State of the Planet 2009, the National Geographic Channel profiles the progress we have made in innovation and also reminds us that there is still much work to do. The program begins at 8p et/pt.

Being held in Rome's Piazza del Popolo and airing live on Nat Geo Music Channel and online, Nat Geo Music will be streaming live Ben Harper and the Relentless 7's Earth Day concert. For more on this event go to Natgeomusic.net.

Got a Green idea? Submit your proposal to National Geographic's Green Effect innitiative for the chance to win an award of $20,000.

Finally, over the past couple of years, more and more Eco-Capitalists have built businessess around environmental friendly products and services. Terracycle, or as the channel has dubbed them Garbage Moguls, have been part of this movement. At 10p on Earth Day, Nat Geo profiles this company and their eco-friendly partners. Check it out, its sure to entertain.