The World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 of each year with the aim to mark the importance of nature and raise awareness for its protection. The day is a principal platform of the United Nations to raise awareness on issues that are threats to the environment. The day aims to focus on the importance of the environment and to remind people that Mother Nature should not be taken for granted. Each year, various programmes are organised around a specific theme to mark the importance of the day. The specific theme depicts the motto of the celebration. This year’s World Environment Day was celebrated with the “Only One Earth” theme which was also the first-ever theme and the programme was hosted by Sweden. The theme sends a clear message that we have to act now if we are to save this only planet that we have.
Every year during this day, tree plantation has been the hallmark of the celebration. It is true that protecting the environment is not just about planting trees. It is also about pollution control, water conservation, energy conservation, civic sense, and above all, being a responsible citizen, who is an advocate of a sustainable planet. Thus, a change begins from an individual, and then individuals make a society and finally envisage a collective vision of a country. It is not just about being environmentally conscious. It is also about thinking for the future, thinking about economic development and building a responsible and sensible society. It is the responsibility of each individual to balance it in such a way that everyone lives in harmony. This is also the theme of World Environment Day 2022.
When we need to care about the future, the future generation needs to take the reins in their hands. The young children of today will become the torch-bearers of tomorrow. We have one planet to stay and no more to go. We have to protect it before it decides to protect itself, as nature does carry the power to protect itself. Time is running out, and nature is in an emergency mode. Global warming is a reality. To keep global warming below 1.5 degree Celsius this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into the aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040. We need urgent action to address these pressing issues and in making “Only One Earth” and its focus on living sustainably in harmony with nature as pertinent as ever.
Truly transformative options towards sustainability need to be available, affordable and attractive for people to make better daily decisions. Key areas for environmental transformation include how we build and live in our homes, cities and places of work and worship, how and where our money is invested, and what we do for fun. Many of these options can only be created by larger entities such as central and state governments, financial institutions, businesses, international organisations, and other organisations with the power to rewrite the rules, frame our ambition, and open up new horizons. Nevertheless, individuals and the civil society are pivotal advocates, awareness-raisers and supporters. The more we act, raise our voices, emphasise on what needs to be done and point out who is responsible, the faster changes will come.
