World Environment Day
5 June (international)
World Environment Day, which is part of World Environment Week (June 6-10th), is commemorated each year on 5 June. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and strenghtens political attention and action. 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. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 was Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Some of South Africa’s most serious environmental issues are associated with our use of energy. Coal-fired and nuclear power stations for electricity generation, coal combustion in townships, coal-to-oil processes, petrol and diesel use in vehicles for bulk transport and over-exploitation of fuelwood resources all result in serious, long-term environmental damage. There are many resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
More info: http://www.unep.org/wed
