Top 10 Facts About World Environment Day
World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June every year and its theme is same as of the Earth Day. If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos. —E.O.Wilson—. We owe our life to the environment surrounding us because we take in food from it, obtain shelter and wood from it and a lot of other things. Moreover, we are also responsible to give our upcoming generations a secure and safe environment to live in and those speechless souls also deserve a good quality of life as we do. This day is all about preserving our motherland in its true and desirable form which will ultimately benefit us in the long run. In my discussion below, I will also give you a run-down on the possible theme for 2012 and the previous themes. Let us know about some of the facts regarding World Environment Day
10. 5th June coincides with the day when the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment commenced. It was scheduled from 5-16 June 1972. United Nations General Assembly established this in 1972.
9. There is no particular place or HQ reserved for the celebration of or orchestrating the seminars related to this day, rather it is hosted every year in different city and with a different theme. The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973.
8. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day is observed in spring whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it is observed in fall.
7. Some of the ways in which you can contribute towards and celebrate the World Environment Day are adopting a ‘green’ way of life, initiate awareness campaigns among public and organize debates on environment issues.
6. The theme for year 2012 is ‘Green Economy’. This can be defined as an environment which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive (UN Environment Programme). Furthermore, it can be said that the rise in income and employment should come along with the reduction in carbon emissions and pollution. Also, it should prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem.
5. The theme for year 2011 was ‘Forests’. A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people (Franklin D.Roosevelt). Forests are an important source of oxygen supply which is vital to human life. India was the host this year.
4. The theme for the year 2010 was ‘Many Species. One Planet. One Future’. Rwanda was the global host of the event this year. Apart from Homo sapiens (humans), there are umpteen other species that inhabit earth and this year’s event was in connection to this; to enlighten the importance of the other species and their role in preserving the natural ecosystem of earth.
3. The theme for the year 2009 was ‘Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change’. The host country was Mexico which is also a leading partner in UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign. The purpose of the seminars held in connection with year 2009 was to embolden people to create awareness among others about the possible repercussion of adverse climatic changes.
2. The theme for the year 2008 was ‘CO2, Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy’. New Zealand was the host country this year. We should really do something to reduce carbon emissions from our environment, rather than involving in campaigns and activities that are merely a subterfuge.
1. The theme for the year 2007 was ‘Melting Ice – a Hot topic?’. The host country was Norway and much emphasis was placed on the decisive effect of hot climate on the snow and ice covered regions of the world. Catastrophic events, like the recent flood disaster in Pakistan, can take place due to the phenomenon of excessive ice-melting which consequently becomes the part of river and seas.
