June 5 – World Environment Day

⏰ 3 min

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on pressing environmental issues. It serves as a platform for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to come together and address our planet’s challenges.

The Background of World Environment Day: World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This conference brought attention to the urgent need for environmental protection and laid the foundation for global environmental governance.

Since its inception, World Environment Day has grown into a significant global event, engaging people from all walks of life to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Each year, a different host country sets the theme and leads the celebrations, highlighting a specific environmental concern or issue.

The Importance of World Environment Day: World Environment Day plays a crucial role in mobilizing individuals and societies to address environmental challenges collectively. It catalyzes change, empowering people to take responsibility for their actions and make sustainable choices in their daily lives.

By raising awareness about environmental issues, World Environment Day encourages people to reflect on the impact of their actions on the planet. It prompts individuals to reevaluate their consumption patterns, adopt eco-friendly practices, and support sustainable development initiatives.

Furthermore, World Environment Day provides a platform for policymakers, experts, and organizations to showcase innovative solutions and best practices in environmental conservation. It stimulates dialogue, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder collaboration, fostering a collective effort to protect and preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

World Environment Day is a global celebration highlighting the urgent need for environmental protection. With its changing themes each year, it highlights diverse environmental issues and inspires individuals and communities to take action. By embracing sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship, we can create a better and healthier future for ourselves and future generations. On this day, let us unite in our commitment to safeguard the planet and work towards a sustainable and resilient world.

The Theme for World Environment Day 2023: Solutions to Plastic Pollution

More than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. However, less than 10% of this plastic is recycled.

An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers, and seas annually, which is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers combined.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter, contaminate our food, water, and air. It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year, and this number increases significantly when considering inhalation.

Discarded or incinerated single-use plastic negatively impacts human health and biodiversity while also polluting various ecosystems, from mountain peaks to the ocean floor.

Fortunately, we have available scientific knowledge and solutions to address this crisis. It is crucial for governments, companies, and other stakeholders to scale up and accelerate actions to solve this pressing issue.

This highlights the significance of World Environment Day in mobilizing transformative action from all corners of the world.

Some Warning Facts:

  • Approximately 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flow into the oceans annually, which could triple by 2040.
  • More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution, facing risks such as ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers.
  • Shifting towards a circular economy can lead to a reduction of over 80% in the volume of plastics entering the oceans by 2040. Additionally, it can decrease virgin plastic production by 55%, save governments $70 billion by 2040, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, and create 700,000 additional jobs, primarily in the global south.

Source:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day