The World Environment Day global celebrations are being hosted by Saudi Arabia this year.
History
In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 5 as World Environment Day, marking the Stockholm Conference’s maiden day on the human environment. Another resolution on that day led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Over the years, this day has emerged as a prominent occasion to raise awareness as well as promote action for the environment and the adverse impact of climate change by all stakeholders.
Around the world, several initiatives, including seminars, conferences, clean-up campaigns, environmental awareness campaigns and workshops are organised to encourage global action to protect the environment.
World Environment Day – 2024 Theme
According to the official website, the campaign for World Environment Day this year focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience as part of the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Significance
Around 40% of the Earth’s land is degraded, which directly affects almost half of the world’s population, according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Since 2000, the number and duration of droughts has jumped by 29%. If no urgent action is taken, then the droughts may affect more than three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050.
Across the globe, ecosystems are threatened from forests and drylands to farmlands and lakes. The natural spaces on which human existence depends have started reaching a tipping point.
Hence, there is an urgent need to address the various factors adversely affecting the environment.
Ways to protect the environment
There are several ways through which we can help protect the environment. Some of these include:
- People should work towards reducing, reusing, and recycling, cutting down on what they throw away. This will help in conserving natural resources and landfill space.
- Help in cleaning up your communities.
- Education and help others to understand the importance and value of the natural resources we have.
- Use water judiciously and conserve it. The less you use, the less are chances of wastage.
- Avoid using plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag when you go out for shopping.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Plant as many trees as possible. Trees provide food and oxygen, besides helping to clean the air and combat climate change.
