World Environment Day
That’s why we celebrate this day. That’s why across the world we say: As long as life, as dear, as free. I am the Earth. And the Earth is me. Jane Yolen
Today, Columbia in partnership with Germany are hosting World Environment Day. World Environment Day is the United Nation’s core vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the environment, worldwide. Held annually since 1974, the day has also become a central platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 150 states, major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities and celebrities from across the world celebrate the day and champion environmental causes.
This year, the day is being commemorated through live broadcasts (In English and Spanish). As well as through 8 other campaigns open for participation. The campaigns range from Beat Pollution, Breathe Life , which is a global campaign for clean air, and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, among others.
Official bilingual live stream of the World Environment Day 2020 Ceremony in Bogotá, Colombia.
should africa be concerned with environmental programmes?
The answer to the frequently asked question of whether Africa should be involved in climate action and related environmental programmes is a resounding “yes!” According to Mckinsey, over 60% of Sub Saharan Africa’s population are smallholder farmers. Meaning that restored ecosystems, reduced soil erosion, addressing pollution, increasing access to clean water, adequate sanitation, as well as generating affordable clean energy solutions are critical to the lifeblood and dignity of the African continent. The nine SDGs related to environmental action are central to diminishing poverty and food insecurity in Africa. Making environmental action and rethinking our relationship to nature compulsory for every African. From citizen, to business, organisations and governments.
Taking a page from UNEP, Afrophilia believes that “with [exactly ten] years left to meet the target date of 2030, the world will need to pick up the pace and put greater efforts in finding better solutions to pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss in order to truly transform societies and economies.” So it is incumbent upon us that we use our time wisely.
Where to begin:
The world now has a new resource called Earth School. Created by UNEP and TEDEd, Earth School is a free, 30-day interactive adventure for students, parent, teachers and anyone around the world who would like to be better educated on environmental issues. The high-quality educational platform was designed to celebrate, explore, and connect us to our natural world, whilst learning about how dependent we are on our planet. By knowing better, we can now do better.
And in terms of doing better, UNEP have a host of resources and eight campaigns that you and I can actively participate in to play our part in improving the state of our earth for current and future generations.
The moon celebrates too
Also marking World Environment Day is a special lunar phenomenon from 05- 06 June. Much of the world will experience a full strawberry (or honey or mead) moon. Whereas much of Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania will experience a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. This planetary highlight happens when part of the moon passes part of the earth’s outer shadow. The shadow is likely to be faint and may be a bit difficult to see. However, it is worth stretching one’s neck to look above and delight in a nod from nature.
Happy World Environment Day!
