While environmental issues are more ingrained in the public mind than ever, Earth Day isn’t treated with the same level of gravitas in America that it was when first celebrated 45 years ago today, according to some local academics and activists. Whether this is a sign of success or failure in addressing environmental issues is open to debate. “I think perhaps some have lost interest in Earth Day because we take for granted that there will always be clean water, clean air and abundant food supplies,” said Duncan Hughes, headwaters outreach director for the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.