PRERNA CHIB
World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973, it is celebrated every year on June 5th, serves as a compelling reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment. As one of the most significant events dedicated to environmental awareness, it highlights the pressing issues our planet faces. Each of us can contribute positively by adopting sustainable habits, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly solutions. Even small actions, such as planting trees, minimizing waste, or supporting renewable energy, can lead to substantial change because as President Ronald Reagan quoted “Preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge; it’s a common sense”. So Let’s unite in our efforts to secure a vibrant future for our planet!
World Environment Day shines a spotlight on pressing environmental challenges. This Day aims to highlight different environmental problems, including air pollution, climate change, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable consumption, sea-level increase, food security, and many more.
Given the current situation, it is evident that climate change is among the most urgent environmental challenges faced by our planet. It is predicted that climate change will lead to a rise in sea levels, extreme weather events and changes in global food systems. This year, the theme of World Environment Day is – ” Our Land – Our Future, we are #GenerationRestoration”. This theme is about bringing back healthy land, preventing deserts from growing, and dealing with water shortages.
The theme for World Environment Day 2024 will revolve around land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This day is celebrated all over the world, with tens of millions of people participating every year. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental protection measures.
The main objective to celebrate this day is to raise awareness about the most pressing environmental challenges we face and inspire us to find solutions. The reason why United Nations are asking everyone to join the global movement to restore our lands, to build drought resilience and to combat desertification. Because land degradation and desertification affect over three billion people.”
According to UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 percent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population. The number of and duration of droughts has increased by 29 percent since 2000- without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world population by 2050″. Freshwater ecosystems are also degraded, making it harder to grow crops and to raise livestock. This disproportionality affects small holder farmers and, of course the rural poor.
By restoring ecosystems, we can slow the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, including desertification, and the crisis of pollution and waste. According to UN, we can help to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, in line with Global Biodiversity Framework.Through small yet significant actions like adopting sustainable practices, conserving resources, and supporting eco-friendly solutions, each individual can contribute to positive change. By uniting in a global movement to restore our lands and combat environmental degradation, we can pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future. As we reflect on the significance of World Environment Day, let us commit to preserving the planet for current and future generations. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a thriving environment for all.
(The author is a Research Scholar pursuing PhD in Agricultural Statistics from SKUAST-Jammu).