World Environment Day

World Environment Day on June 5th every year is one of the main means which the United Nations (UN) promotes worldwide awareness of the environment and increases attention and political action.

World Environment Day calls on all of us to protect our natural surroundings. An estimated 7 million people die each year from causes related to air pollution, with the majority occurring in the Asia-Pacific region. World Environment Day on June 5th every year encourages activism around the world. That means everything from litter to climate change. World Environment Day is considered as a global holiday and a platform for public outreach as well.

China, which now owns half of the world's electric vehicles and 99% of the world's electric buses, hosted the event in 2019. Acting United Nations Environment Commissioner Joyce Msuya said: “The country has proven itself demonstrate leadership in addressing domestic air pollution. At present, it can push the world to do more.” As the result, the United Nations decided to establish World Environment Day in 1972.

History of World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED in abbreviation) is one of the most unique and special holidays both because of its history and many firsts. It was created on the first day of the first United Nations conference to focus on humans and how they interact with the environment.

However, this does not happen overnight. Sweden first proposed to hold such a conference with the United Nations in 1968. And in 1969, the United Nations agreed that after three years they would have a conference in Sweden focusing on environmental problems. Interestingly, the conference was led by Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat working in the oil and minerals industry who also has a soft spot for the environment.

Finally, it all came together in 1972, after 4 years of preparation and $30,000,000 afterwards. Some authorities around the world gathered to discuss more about the way to raise public awareness in order to protect our environment and the result were the founding of World Environment Day or WED in abbreviation. Two years later, WED was held for the first time with the slogan “Only One Earth.”

Since then, WED has been completely embraced by people everywhere, to the point where it's even slowly made its way into popular culture (and we love it!) Celebrities around the world are encourages everyone, in their own way, to do their part and "save the World". Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep are loved because they are speech representatives about environmental awareness. As the result, it doesn't matter if you are a famous actor, an athlete or a university student. You can gather your friends and spend a day outdoors on doing fun activities to save our planet's life. Trust us when we say, you'll have a blast and feel so much better afterward.

Tradition of World Environment Day

Without a doubt, sustainability and environmental protection are among the most pressing issues we face in the world today. All of life's necessities come from Mother Nature and, unfortunately, we take it for granted. World Environment Day raises our awareness about their impact on the environment.

One theme is celebrated each year. The theme for 2020 is "Biodiversity". Advocacy campaigns and calls for change are strongly promoted, while educating others to adopt healthy actions and break patterns that contribute to ecosystem degradation. The act of turning off unnecessary lights also brings a huge effect. Exhibitions and events take place at educational institutions, attended by influential speakers.

The main color featured in many of the promotions for this event is a natural color that depicts nature, the Earth and its natural resources. These colors are usually softer shades like greens, browns, and blues. Natural images of Earth's features, such as snowy mountains, clean beaches, unpolluted rivers, and photographs of natural flora and fauna, including fern leaves, are used to promote Report campaigns in favor of this day.

Some facts about World Environment Day

• Solar power panels

The largest solar farm, Yanchi Ningxia solar park in China, can supply up to 1 billion watts.

• CO2 vacuum cleaner

Developed in Switzerland in 2016, these giant machines capture CO2 to clean the air we breathe.

• Clean up the ocean

Backed by $30 million and led by a 22-year-old, the company uses U-shaped screens to catch trash in the ocean.

• Plant based resin

It is created by an Indonesian company from agricultural leftovers including corn, sugarcane, and more.

• Environmentally friendly battery

Developed in the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, it uses upgraded aluminum.

Why World Environment Day is important

• It connects us back to nature

We sometimes forget how much natural systems support our happiness. However, we are part of nature but we also depend on it. Therefore, World Environment Day is the perfect occasion to go out and enjoy a lot of interesting events in parks and celebrate an important relationship.

• It raises awareness

More and more people are beginning to understand that we need to sustainably manage the resources and ecosystems on our planet. However, that belief is far from universal. That's why World Environment Day is so important: it provides an opportunity to raise awareness and teach friends and family that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable. But before you start raising environmental awareness in your community, make sure you have a thorough understanding of environmental issues. There's always more to learn!

• It encourages us to take action

The environment is becoming increasingly polluted with dirt and toxins, and these have adverse effects on our health. They can cause respiratory diseases and cancer and those are just the beginning. By raising awareness about the problems associated with our life-sustaining air, World Environment Day inspires us to do something about it and repair the environment that we cannot live without.

How to celebrate World Environment Day

• Commit to recycling

It may seem like a basic tip, but are you really taking every possible opportunity to recycle? Next time you think about throwing that piece of paper in the trash because the recycling bin is inaccessible, think again. Picked up a plastic box and was too lazy to see if it was one of the biodegradable ones? Open your smartphone and look it up! Everyone has a responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including you.

• Plant tree

Trees absorb odors and pollutants (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter airborne dust particles by trapping them on leaves and bark. Strategically located around a single-family home, they can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50%. By reducing the need for energy to cool our homes, we reduce carbon dioxide and other polluting emissions from power plants.

• Volunteers

Anyone can volunteer, and volunteering can make a difference for an entire community. Get out of your comfort zone by volunteering for the National Park Service or stay local by volunteering at your farmers market. Whichever way you choose to get involved, you'll feel the positive effects of getting out of the house and caring for the planet.