World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to care for the environment.We can all make a positive impact by embracing sustainable practices in our daily lives, conserving resources, and advocating for eco-friendly solutions. Remember, even small steps like planting trees, reducing waste, or supporting renewable energy contribute to a significant change. Let’s work together to ensure a thriving future for our planet! United Nations utilises the occasion to stress on the fact that there is a need to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.
World Environment Day was established at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, it is the largest global platform for public outreach to raise awareness and taking action on urgent environmental issues – the planet’s most-pressing environmental problems.
This year, World Environment Day (WED) 2024 focuses on land restoration, halting desertification and building drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
Environmental degradation directly impacts human health. Air pollution, water contamination, and climate change contribute to a range of public health problems. WED is not just for those working in the environment sectors – it is a call to action for everyone, including all of us working in public health. The worrying reality is that our Region records the highest number of deaths from climate change annually amongst all WHO regions. Climate change and biodiversity loss already pose major threats to health, the regional economy and livelihoods across our Region.
History of World Environment Day
The seed of World Environment Day was sown in 1972. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm, Sweden on June 5th, sparked critical discussions on environmental protection. To honour this pivotal moment, the first official World Environment Day was celebrated a year later in 1973, and the tradition has continued on the same date ever since.
Significance Of World Environment Day
World Environment Day raises awareness, mobilises action, and promotes environmental sustainability. Through campaigns, events, and initiatives, World Environment Day inspires individuals and communities to make changes, fostering a sense of urgency and addressing environmental challenges for a sustainable future.
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