In 1990, the Muppets delivered a haunting message about biodiversity loss and environmental collapse during The Earth Day Special. Thirty-five years later, their words feel more urgent than ever.

In 1990, The Earth Day Special aired on ABC, uniting a wide range of public figures, actors, and animated characters in a two-hour event to raise awareness on growing environmental concerns. What now feels like a time capsule of early climate activism, includes one of the most memorable segments featuring none other than the lovable and charismatic Kermit the Frog and the Muppets.

During their segment, the Muppets stepped away from their usual antics to deliver an eerie and emotional message about pollution, extinction, and the environmental damage of our actions. In the scene, Kermit, his nephew Robin, and a chorus of swamp-dwelling frogs react to the Earth Day Special broadcast. Robin innocently remarks, “This Earth Day show makes it look like things are pretty bad for the people,” to which Kermit quietly responds, “Actually, it’s worse for the animals.” The conversation quickly escalates and shifts from lighthearted to haunting, as the frogs begin to lament their own extinction. “It’s killing us off,” one says, while others solemnly chant, “dead and gone.”

Directed by the legendary Jim Henson, this was one of his final performances as Kermit before his passing later that year. The segment balances the Muppets’ warmth with a darker, more urgent call to action. It ends with Kermit’s quiet but powerful reminder: “It’s up to people.”

35 years later, revisiting this moment is both emotional and unsettling. Not just because the message remains so relevant – but because it underscores the decades-worth of warnings we have had – from scientists, activists, documentaries, and yes, even fun-loving puppets. And yet, we continue to drag our feet and fall short on reaching environmental goals.

In this segment, the Muppets – who are a symbol of innocence, joy, and nostalgia – become unlikely messengers for the truth of our climate reality: the rapid and ongoing loss of biodiversity. The warning goes beyond the impacts of pollution and climate change. It is about entire ecosystems vanishing, species disappearing, and habitats collapsing. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what’s really at stake if we continue to ignore the signs: the rich and irreplaceable web of life. 

Today, more than ever, we need to use our voices and make a difference. With the federal election happening this Monday April 28, Earth Day 2025 takes on even greater urgency here in Canada. Vote for our future. Vote for the planet. We can no longer ignore the warnings (especially not when they come from Kermit the Frog). 

Like what you’re reading? Sign up for NET’s mailing list to receive updates on all things biodiversity.