World Environment Day 2019
Theme- Beat Air Pollution
The World Environment Day is observed on June 5, every year -- in over 100 countries around the globe.
The United Nations (UN) began observing the day in the year 1974. It started this annual event in order to raise awareness towards pressing environmental issues prevalent in our planet and the action to be taken to tackle them.
The environmental aspects such as pollution, human over-population, deforestation, global warming and many other factors that have a negative impact on nature are selected by the host country.
According to the United Nations, World Environment Day provides an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment.
Various activities, in correspondence to a particular theme, are planned around the globe to tackle the factor causing environmental degradation.
Theme:
The theme for 45th World Environment Day is Beat Air Pollution. It is the call for action to combat the global crisis for 'fresh air'.
Air pollution is one of the main environmental issues ailing planet Earth. The theme, thereby, invites people to consider how lifestyles could be changed for a better and cleaner environment.
In 2018, the theme of World Environment Day was Beat Plastic Pollution.
Let's evaluate the health of Mother Earth:
>According to UN Environment report, seven million people are reported to die prematurely every year owing to pollution of air
>Out of the given data, four billion people die in the Asia Pacific region
>There are about three trillion trees on earth. Rapid deforestation has been increasing day by day
>Capital cities of various countries like India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan among others are the most severely polluted
Host:
This year, China is hosting World Environment Day.
In 2018, India hosted the main event centered on combatting pollution caused by plastic.
“China will be a great global host of 2019’s World Environment Day celebrations. The country has demonstrated tremendous leadership in tackling air pollution domestically.
It can now help spur the world to greater action. Air pollution is a global emergency affecting everyone. China will now be leading the push and stimulating global action to
save millions of lives,” Joyce Msuya, UN Environment Acting Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations was quoted as saying in the press release issued by the UN.
The UN says that understanding different types of pollution, and how it affects our health and environment, will help people take steps towards improving the air around them.
“Often you can’t even see it, but air pollution is everywhere. We can't stop breathing, but we can do something about the quality of our air,” the UN says.
Nine out of ten people worldwide are exposed to differing levels of air pollutants that exceed safe levels set by the World Health Organisation.
Significance of the day:
> To promote and celebrate eco-friendly development in our countries.
> Spreading awareness about the harmful effects of environmental problems around the world.
> For developing efficient mechanisms to combat specific environmental problems
Tips to reduce everyday air pollution:
>Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying a home or office equipment
>Use car-pool, public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible
>Follow gasoline refueling instructions for, every time, efficient vapor recovery, be careful not to spill fuel and always tighten your gas cap securely
>Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
>Avoid or minimize using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
