World Environment Day is an annual global event celebrated on June 05. It is observed to raise awareness of the protection and preservation of the environment.
World Environment Day is the largest platform that advocates the practice of sustainable development around the world. With the current pace of the overutilization of natural resources, the future generation is likely to be deprived of these resources. Millions of people around the world participate in this program to protect and conserve the environment to fulfill the needs of the future generation.
History
The history of World Environment Day can be traced back to 1972 when the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden. As a result of this conference, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established on June 15, 1972.
The UNEP proposed a special day for the environment. In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated June 05 as World Environment Day (WED). The first World Environment Day was observed on June 05, 1973, with the slogan “Only One Earth.”
Theme
World Environment Day 2023 marks the completion of 50 years of its establishment. This year, the theme of the WED 2023 is “BeatPlasticPollution.” According to UNEP, World Environment Day 2023 will be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands and the theme will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. It is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matter. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of this action.
Significance
World Environment Day is a global platform that advocates for a greener and pollution-free environment. It also urges governments to prioritise the environment and enact laws to reduce the exploitation of the environment.
The protection of the environment is a global need that can be achieved only through international cooperation. It brings various international organisations, bodies, and stakeholders to work in the direction of addressing the challenges that have posed a threat to the environment. The environment has suffered a lot due to industrialisation. World Environment Day encourages people to adopt eco-friendly practices to have a greener and clear environment.
Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three “R’s” to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
- Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.
- Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
- Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.
- Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices.
- Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.
- Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!
- Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
- Don’t send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.
- Bike more. Drive less.
