World Environment Day is a global event aimed at raising awareness of ecological problems our planet is facing. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which holds and encourages conferences, demonstrations, flash mobs, and other public events to promote environmental public outreach and fight against pollution.
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When is World Environment Day?
It is held annually on 5 June, but environmental activism is encouraged all year round.
History of World Environment Day
The date is not coincidental. On 5 June, 1972, the UN started the first ever ecological conference, during which the impact of humanity on the environment was discussed in a global framework, by representatives of different countries. Sweden was the first to suggest holding such an event and negotiated it for several years, until finally it was set to take place in Stockholm. Leaders from all over the world came to discuss the environmental issues their countries were handling and identify the common problems, like pollution, to tackle them on an international level. That is how Environment Day came to be: two years later, in 1974, the first celebration was held under the theme “Only One Earth”.
Since then, the event has been slowly gaining popularity. Celebrities and influencers from different cultures talk about it and encourage participation, spreading environmental awareness. Pop culture also acknowledges the importance of preserving our planet, with shows like The Simpsons marking World Environment Day with special episodes – meaning that the eco-friendly mindset is becoming more common, just as it should be.
How to participate?
It doesn’t matter if you are an actor, an artist, or a college student – you can join the global community simply by spending time outdoors in nature, or by discussing pressing ecological problems with your family and friends.
Moreover, on 5 June, many conferences are held, so check your local public spaces, or look up events online. And any awareness and nature-preserving activities are always appreciated!
If you are up for a more involved participation, here are some ideas:
1. Clean up in your neighborhood or in a local park
Go on a hunt for empty bottles that are not in a bin. Plastic pollutes the ground and takes years to recycle in the soil, so the damage done by leaving trash is long-term, to put it mildly. Don’t forget to recycle your findings!
2. Make a commitment to recycle
While we are on that topic, consider dividing your trash into groups and utilizing it in the appropriate way. Look up if your local infrastructure sets up waste disposal facilities that support recycling initiatives.
3. Plant a tree
Trees absorb odors, decrease pollution, produce carbon, cool overheated places, give shade in summer, and provide a home to birds and pollinators, so an extra one won’t hurt. Talk to your local authorities about planting more trees and flower beds, or consider planting vegetation on your own property.
4. Consider your diet
About one third of the food we produce annually goes to waste. Thinking through what you need to buy and in what quantities will reduce your “foodprint” and save your money. Also, support local producers and avoid overpacked products, since they imply wasting resources and incurring pollution to get them on your table.
5. Volunteer
Anyone can volunteer, and it will make an impact on the whole community. Get out of your comfort zone and take part in an ecological initiative. No matter how you participate, you will feel the involvement in the global effort to protect the environment.
Only One Earth 2022
This year’s celebration is the anniversary of the Stockholm conference, so 50 years after it, World Environment Day 2022 is coming back to Sweden under the slogan of the first event: “Only One Earth.” This similarity will allow people to observe the improvements made since the first conference and the change in tendencies and our lifestyle. The celebration will focus on how humankind can live in harmony with nature and what ways are currently available to switch to a greener and more sustainable living, both through political initiatives and our individual choices. These questions are as pertinent as ever, since technological advances are ahead of our ability to predict their consequences and mitigate the impact on the environment. World Environment Day 2022 also coincides with Stockholm+50 – a high-level international conference on environmental issues.
Eco-mindset of World Environment Day
The celebration is intended to encourage people to take action against such pressing issues as pollution, global warming, waste disposal, and loss of biodiversity. Tackling these problems in time will postpone or even prevent reaching the critical point of our planet’s life support system.
Humankind is no longer an obedient and humble child of nature – with 21st century technologies, we can forge the image of our planet. And it will be people’s fault if this image is not a pretty one. The core life necessities all come from Mother Nature, and we have been negligently taking it for granted far too long. That is why we need World Environment Day – it invokes a sense of unity that makes it easier to spread the word about the challenges our planet is facing. With words come ideas, and ideas result in actions, and that is how our simple discussions, awareness, and simple actions can help to save the world.
