World Environment Day
World Environment Day takes place on June 5th. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this special day dedicated to raising global awareness and promoting positive actions that contribute towards protecting the natural world. With the ever-increasing threats to our environment, World Environment Day serves as a powerful platform to inspire individuals, communities, and nations to take collective action for the well-being of our planet.
The theme for World Environment Day changes each year. In 2023, the focus is on “solutions to plastic pollution”. This links with the United Nations push to achieve a global plastics treaty. Other pressing environmental issues like deforestation, water contamination, biodiversity loss and climate change are also highlighted by World Environment Day. We are reminded of the pressing need for responsible consumption and production patterns, the importance of preserving forests and natural resources, and the urgency of transitioning to a circular economy. Through various activities such as tree planting campaigns, clean-up drives, educational seminars, and awareness programs, World Environment Day encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in our day to day lives.
One key objective of World Environment Day is to emphasize the importance of biodiversity. The 5th of June provides a moment to celebrate the rich variety of life forms on Earth and the crucial role they play in maintaining ecological balance. Biodiversity loss has become a major global concern, with species extinction rates accelerating at an alarming pace. Having lost 34 mammal species since colonisation, Australia has the unenviable title of the world’s mammal extinction capital. Nationally, we have more than 1800 plant and animal species listed as threatened. This is alarming and points to the urgent need to conserve wildlife and protect endangered species and their habitats.
Another crucial aspect of World Environment Day is addressing climate change. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting glaciers are clear indicators of the need for humanity to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions with haste. Environment day is an opportunity to promote climate change solutions such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste reduction and soil and land regeneration.
In short, World Environment Day serves as a global call to action, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. It fosters a sense of environmental consciousness, encouraging individuals, communities, and nations to work together towards a sustainable and resilient future. By actively participating in World Environment Day activities and implementing sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world for present and future generations.
It feels good to get involved in protecting our environment. One of the best ways one can contribute is by planting trees, shrubs, grasses and bushes. Play your part by supporting or join TreeProject at a planting day and revegetate Victoria.
Sources:
https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/world-environment-day-2023
https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/global-plastics-treaty-ocean-nations/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/06/australia-has-1800-threatened-species-but-has-not-listed-critical-habitat-in-10-years