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Environmental protection and a careful, responsible attitude to natural resources will ensure the future of all mankind. It is important to understand this not only for society as a whole, but also for each individual person.
Only together can we become a recovery generation capable of preserving the environment by maintaining the ecosystems that exist on Earth and developing their biodiversity. World Environment Day 2023 is meant to remind us of this important mission.
When is World Environment Day 2023?
Official World Environment Day 2023 will be celebrated 5 June, is a fixed date. In Our Country, since 2008, a professional holiday has been added to this holiday – Ecologist’s Day.
history of the holiday
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations on December 15, 1972. At the same time, at the Stockholm Conference in Sweden, the date of the annual celebration was set – June 5th. In recent years, this day has become a global environmental information platform for the entire world community. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The main purpose of the holiday is to draw attention to environmental problems and stimulate activity for its protection.
Since 1972, within the framework of the UN activities, a special United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has been approved and is being implemented. It aims to preserve and improve the environment on all continents. The motto of the program is “Environment for Development”.
In Our Country, the right of citizens to a favorable environment is enshrined at the legislative level (Constitution of the Federation, Article 42). The government also adopted a number of legal documents and federal targeted programs in the field of environmental development:
- The national project “Ecology”, developed until 2024,
- “Strategy of environmental security of Our Country until 2025”,
- “Fundamentals of state policy in the field of environmental development of the Federation for the period up to 2030”.
Every year, events dedicated to World Environment Day are held under a specific motto. The most urgent problems that the entire world community of the UN and UNEP seeks to draw attention to:
- the environmental problem of the ozone layer;
- collection, disposal and disposal of hazardous waste;
- deserts and desertification;
- climate change, global warming and melting glaciers;
- conservation of forests, creation of green cities;
- lack of drinking water;
- conservation of populations of rare animal species;
- the quality of human food;
- economy of reasonable needs.
In 2018, all efforts were focused on the fight against plastic waste, and in 2019, the theme of the day was the fight against air pollution. 2020 was dedicated to the conservation of the biodiversity of various ecosystems. It is biodiversity that contributes to the maintenance of life on land and under water and affects human health. The motto of the holiday was the words: “Time of nature.” Another threat has appeared for humans – a new pathogen COVID-19, which has a devastating effect on the body of all living beings, and above all on the person himself. And this once again made me think about the importance of biodiversity conservation in ecosystems. In 2021, the motto of the holiday was the words: “Rethink. Recreate. Reestablish”.
More than 70 countries of the world have joined this project. A powerful global movement is being created to implement measures aimed at preventing the catastrophic consequences of climate change, which entail the degradation of ecosystems and the destruction of biodiversity on Earth. Using the hashtag #generationrestoration or #GenerationRestoration, everyone can join the global environmental movement and make a personal contribution to this noble mission.
Ecosystems are the web of life on Earth, made up of all living organisms and the connections between them and their environment. They include forests, rivers, swamps, grasslands, mountains, seas and oceans.
Ecosystem conservation is not just about protecting wildlife. It is also the renewal and development of man-made territories: small and large cities, protected areas, national parks, agricultural lands, etc. Efficient urban ecosystems largely determine the quality of human life, ensure its environmental safety, and create comfortable conditions for recreation and entertainment.
Holiday traditions
Traditionally, on June 5, on the occasion of the holiday, forums and conferences on environmental issues are held in different cities of the world. Excursions to protected areas and national parks are organized, cleaning activities, educational programs, and open days are held. Colorful entertainment events are organized: street rallies, parades of cyclists, “green” concerts, competitions in schools.
How can you support the global movement to restore the ecosystem in your city, locality
- Clear the natural landscape in your city (park, forest belt, lake, beach or other natural area).
- Plant trees and shrubs in your home, schoolyard, workspace, public area.
- Make a voluntary donation, support initiatives to restore or preserve ecosystems.
- Stop using products and services that may harm the environment.
- Incorporate sustainable, locally plant-based foods into your diet.
- Organize a campaign or flash mob to support the restoration of your city’s ecosystem.
- To tell your opinion; speak publicly at a conference, public forum, radio and television on improving the local environment.
- Participate in online discussions about restoring natural ecosystems, post photos, and update your accomplishments using the hashtag #generationrestoration or #GenerationRestoration.
- Join the volunteer community and participate in volunteer actions to protect the environment.
The figures
Ecosystem degradation is already affecting well-being 3,2 billion peoplewhich is about 40% of the world’s population.
Every year on Earth, for one reason or another, more than 10 million hectares of forests.
About million species of plants and animals may disappear in the near future.
Due to unfavorable natural factors, climatic conditions and human actions, approximately 30% natural freshwater ecosystems already disappeared from the Earth.
Wetlands are drained for agricultural purposes. Over the past 300 years, more than 87% wetlands.
In the seas and oceans lost before 50% coral reefs and up to 90% could be lost by 2050.
80% of the world’s wastewater dumped into oceans and rivers without treatment.
Food production around the world can decrease by 12% by 2040 due to land degradation, as a result of this, food prices may increase by 30%.
By about 2050, due to changes in climate conditions and land degradation, about 700 million people may be immigrants.