World Environment Day – A day to celebrate tireless commitment to our planet and to remember the tremendous positive impact we can have as a community – as long as we stick together – for the one Earth we have, its inhabitants and our children’s future.

What is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and has been held annually since 1974. The goal of the day of action is to promote environmental awareness and draw attention to crucial concerns around our planet’s survival, that require active engagement and commitment. Today, the day represents one of the largest global platforms for environmental action, with millions of participants from around the world. Each World Environment Day focuses on a specific issue that reflects urgent problems and challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or pollution.

In 1972 the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm. One of the results of this conference was the inception of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP’s aim is to promote partnerships in environmental protection, provide information and create awareness on urgent planetary issues. The slogan of the first UN conference was “Only One Earth,” which is just as true 50 years later, as it was then. 

This year’s theme is “Our Land, Our Future” and focuses on land restoration, stopping desertification and building drought resilience. The 2024 celebrations will take place in Saudi Arabia.

Big challenges require big commitments

But what are the big challenges we face and where do they come from?

As human beings, our never-ending production and consumption structure, especially in industrialized nations, is causing planetary boundaries to be increasingly exceeded. Planetary boundaries refer to the processes that are responsible for the stability of the Earth’s natural ecosystems. The overloading of this ecological resilience has significant impact on people and their livelihoods – as we can already see today. 

Climate change, loss of biodiversity or pollution are just three of many consequences that can be observed. But let’s dive deeper into the background and take a look at what needs to be done.

Climate change

In 2015 the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, was adopted by 196 countries – a historical breakthrough. According to that contract, global warming should be limited in this century to below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, in comparison to pre-industrial levels. Without significant efforts to achieve this goal, the climate crisis will have devastating consequences in the years to come, such as extreme weather events or intensified famine. 

Therefore, we need to halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This issue requires international cooperation and coordination but also the commitment of each individual. Here are a few tips on how you can reduce your own carbon footprint:

1. Use public transport or carpooling services, ride your bike or go on foot

2. Try to consume local and seasonal products 

3. Reduce your consumption of meat

4. Ask yourself with every purchase if you really need it

5. Switch off lights and electronic devices when they aren’t in use

Biodiversity loss 

The loss of biodiversity refers to the decline or disappearance of the biological variety of all living species that inhabit our planet. This diversity has declined at an alarming rate in recent years, which can be attributed primarily to human activities. Some of the main causes are climate change, pollution, devastation of habitat or the invasion of alien species that displace indigenous ones. 

Yet, in many ways, healthy ecosystems reflect the basis for our survival on Earth and allow us to thrive. They provide clean air, fresh water and rich soils. But what can you do to protect and restore these sensitive systems? 

6. Become a role model for environmental protection by raising awareness 

7. Set up birdhouses and eradicate weeds in your garden

8. Plant indigenous trees or support organizations like us to do so

9. Conserve water in order to maintain wetlands 

10. Support local government initiatives in protecting natural habitats

Pollution

In terms of health, air pollution is the most significant environmental threat of our time. It accounts for approximately 7 million premature deaths every year. Billions of people are exposed to particulate matter. Particulate matter is defined as airborne particles that do not immediately sink to the ground but remain in the atmosphere for a certain time. They can cause health problems if they are inhaled over a long period of time. Main emitters of fine particles are, for example: burning of fossil fuels, waste burning and agriculture.  In Africa and West Asia, windblown dust is a significant source of particles. 

Not only air pollution, but marine pollution is also a growing threat. The large amounts of chemicals and trash that end up in our oceans every day, especially plastic waste – including bottles, shopping bags or food wrappers – is a major problem. It takes hundreds of years to decompose. So, how can you help?

11. Prevent waste in your daily life and try to avoid single-use plastic

12. Separate your waste properly and recycle

13. Encourage policies to improve waste management on a large scale

14. Participate in clean-up days in your area

15. Start your own compost pile in order to reduce organic waste

BONUS TIPS

Water Saving

In addition to land restoration, water conservation is a crucial aspect of sustainable environmental practices. Saving water helps mitigate the effects of drought and ensures the availability of this precious resource for future generations.  Together, these practices contribute to a more resilient and sustainable environment.

Here are some easy ways you can save water every day:

1. Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Use low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water usage without compromising on performance.
2. Collect Rainwater: Set up rain barrels to collect rainwater for gardening and other outdoor uses.
3. Water Plants Wisely: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation. Use drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the roots of plants.
4. Choose Native Plants: Landscape with native and drought-resistant plants that require less water and are better suited to local conditions.
5. Use a Broom, Not a Hose: Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps instead of hosing them down.

Make Every Day World Environment Day

Embracing the principles of World Environment Day doesn’t have to be limited to a single day of the year. By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines, we can make every day an opportunity to care for our planet.

Here are some simple actions you can take to make a positive impact:

1. Cycle or Use Public Transport: Cut carbon emissions by opting for cycling or public transportation instead of driving alone in a car.
2. Switch to Reusables: Reduce waste by using reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers instead of disposable ones.
3. Check Your Taps: Fix any leaky faucets to conserve water and prevent unnecessary waste.
4. Buy Local Food: Support biodiversity and reduce fuel emissions by purchasing locally grown and produced food whenever possible.
5. Compost Food Waste: Enrich soil and reduce landfill use by composting food scraps and organic waste.
6. Run Appliances Efficiently: Save water and energy by running the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for all.

For more information on World Environment Day, and Make a Difference Week visit: www.worldenvironmentday.global & www.makeadifferenceweek.org

For Further Reading:

• Seven Ways to Restore Land and Halt Desertification and Combat Drought
• World Environment Day 2024: Restoring Our Land, Securing Our Future — Grow-Trees Blog
• Nature conservation works, and we’re getting better at it – new study 
• Desertification and Drought Day 2024: “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future”
• Why investing in land is a business imperative for a sustainable future
• How You Save Water in South Africa
• “Between Heaven and Earth”  – How clean water and one determined English teacher are changing futures for kids in rural Nepal