WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2024

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TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is celebrated annually on June 5th.

EXPLANATION:

• Since its inception in 1973, it has grown to become the largest global platform for environmental public outreach.
• Millions of people worldwide participate in various activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and action.
• The theme for 2024, hosted by Saudi Arabia, is “Our Land, Our Future” focusing on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience.

The Significance of World Environment Day

• World Environment Day was established to encourage worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
• Over the years, it has become a crucial event that mobilizes governments, businesses, and individuals to take concrete steps towards environmental conservation.
• The primary objective of World Environment Day is to drive awareness and promote action on urgent environmental issues.
• The event aims to:
  • Encourage global participation in environmental protection activities.
  • Highlight critical environmental issues and advocate for policy changes.
  • Foster a global community committed to environmental sustainability.

Focus on Land Restoration

• According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population.
• The degradation of ecosystems, including forests, drylands, farmlands, and lakes, poses a significant threat to humanity’s existence.
• The frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29% since 2000.
• Without urgent action, it is projected that droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050.
• This highlights the need for immediate measures to combat land degradation and build drought resilience.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)

• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a global rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems.
• It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Land restoration is a key pillar of this initiative.
• Efforts include growing forests, reviving water sources, and restoring soils.
• These actions are critical to ensuring sustainable land use and improving the resilience of ecosystems against climate change.

30th Anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

• The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• Established to address the problems of land degradation and desertification, the UNCCD plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable land management practices.
• The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UNCCD will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024.
• This conference will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and advance solutions for combating desertification and promoting land restoration.

The Urgency of Environmental Action

• To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, it is imperative to halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
• This requires immediate and concerted efforts across all sectors to reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy sources.
• Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50% within the decade.
• Additionally, plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems is expected to nearly triple by 2040.
• These pressing issues demand urgent and effective measures to protect air quality and reduce plastic pollution.

Why Take Part in World Environment Day?

• Participating in World Environment Day helps raise awareness about critical environmental issues.
• It educates the public on the importance of environmental conservation and the steps individuals and communities can take to make a difference.
• The event motivates people to take concrete actions to protect the environment.
• This can range from participating in local clean-up activities to advocating for policy changes at the national and international levels.
• By engaging in World Environment Day activities, individuals and organizations contribute to building a sustainable future.
• These collective efforts help ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations and that ecosystems remain healthy and resilient.

SOURCE: https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day