World Environment Day, established by the UN and celebrated annually on June 5, is one of the main ways for all environmentalists and environmental organizations to draw global attention to environmental issues, as well as stimulate political interest and related actions aimed at protecting environment.
The holiday was proclaimed in 1972 at the 27th session of the UN General Assembly (Resolution № A/RES/2994 of December 15, 1972). The date chosen was June 5, the — day for the start of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, followed by the creation of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Man is a creation and at the same time the creator of his environment, which ensures his physical existence and provides him with opportunities for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual development. In the course of the long and painful evolution of humanity on our planet, a stage has been reached at which, as a result of the accelerated development of science and technology, man has acquired the ability to transform his environment in numerous ways and on a scale never seen before. Both aspects of the human environment, both natural and man-made, are critical to his well-being and to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including even the right to life itself.
Celebrating this Day is designed to awaken in every person the desire to promote environmental protection and encourage as many people as possible to take action to prevent the growing pressure on the planet's natural life support systems from reaching a critical point.
Humanity has exploited and destroyed the ecosystems of planet Earth for too long. Every three seconds, the world loses the size of a football field of forest territory; over the past century, half of the planet's wetlands and coral reefs have been destroyed. Due to the loss of ecosystems, the world is deprived of « carbon sinks» such as forests and peatlands. Global greenhouse gas emissions have increased for three years in a row, and the planet is one step away from possible catastrophic climate change.
Atmospheric temperatures are rising too quickly, so humans and nature cannot adapt to this; declining habitats threaten the loss of about a million species; we continue to pollute air, soil and water.
In addition, the emergence of COVID-19 showed how catastrophic the consequences of loss of ecosystems can be. By reducing the area of natural animal habitat, we have created ideal conditions for the spread of pathogens, including coronaviruses.
The solution to this problem lies in transforming our economy and society. They must be inclusive, fair and interconnected with nature. We must move from harming the planet to healing it. It is necessary to give the peoples of the world the opportunity to actively promote sustainable and equitable development, to promote the understanding that the main driving force behind changing approaches to environmental issues is ourselves, our society. And also explain the usefulness of partnerships so that all countries and peoples have a safer and more prosperous future.
Today, traditionally, is World Environment Day — «people's event», accompanied by colorful spectacles such as street rallies, cyclist parades, «green» concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, waste recovery and cleaning campaigns and other events. In many countries, this annual event is used to draw attention to and initiate action at the policy level and provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international conventions on the environment.
World Environment Day — is an event for both every person and the whole world. Since the celebration began in 1972, residents of many countries have carried out thousands of activities, from cleaning around their homes, planting trees to combating wildlife crime. Over the years, thousands of people from different countries and social sectors have taken part in special activities to protect the environment. And today this Day provides an opportunity for each of us to take responsibility for caring for our planet and actively contribute to change.
By the way, every year this holiday is held under a certain motto; the theme of the Day and the location of the main international events are determined by UN representatives.
So, over the years, the topics of World Environment Day were: «Only one Earth», «Water is a key resource for life», «Only one future for our children - development without destruction», «Organization of the collection, disposal and disposal of hazardous waste: acid rain and energy», «Tree for the world», «Youth: population and environment», «Climate change. The need for a global partnership», «Poverty and the environment - break the vicious circle», «One Earth - one family», «For life on Earth - save our seas», «Enter the World Wide Web of life», «„Green cities“: Plan for the planet!», «We need seas and oceans! Alive, not dead», «Forests: using the services of nature», «Think. Eat. Save», «Raise your voice, but not sea level!», «Fight for wildlife», «Seven billion dreams. One Planet. Consume with caution», «Zero-tolerance policy on illegal wildlife trade», «Fight plastic pollution», «Fight air pollution», «Biodiversity and human life», «Rethink. Recreate. Restore» and others.
Infographics – poster «World Environment Day»