World Environmental Day: Quotes

Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods - John Muir

Sooner or later, we will have to recognize that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans - Evo Morales

Saving our planet, advancing economic growth... these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women's empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all - Ban Ki-moon

Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us - Bill Nye

Plant together... let’s make the world greener – unknown

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty - John Ruskin

References:

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_environmental.html

http://www.thefreshquotes.com/environment-quotes/

Today we’re celebrating World Environment Day!

 

World Environment Day (WED) takes place on the 5^th of June every year. This is a very relevant and important environmental day, especially in light of the current environmental situations around the world. The environment is currently in a dire state and is being degraded at a tremendously fast pace.

It is the United Nation's principal vehicle and is the biggest, most globally celebrated environmental days in terms of positive environmental action. WED places an imperative spotlight on protecting the environment and to inspire and motivate individuals, communities, and organisations to reconnect with Mother Nature. The day is all about imploring people to get outdoors and into nature so as to appreciate its stunning beauty as well as nature’s importance. It is a day on which people can reflect on their dependency on nature and how we are part of nature. It’s about ensuring a cleaner and greener future. Essentially it is about deepening public awareness of the need to preserve as well as enhance the environment. It’s about doing something positive for Mother Nature. WED provides an ideal opportunity for people to realize that they have a responsibility to care for the Mother Nature. The day promotes ways to improve the planet's environment as well as taking forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. It’s all about stimulating awareness of the environment as well as enhancing political attention and public action. It calls on people to show their love and affection for our shared natural world. World Environment Day is in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is about being engaged in activities that serve to educate and improve people’s environment locally. WED is “the ‘people’s day’ for doing something to take care of the Earth or become an agent of change. That ‘something’ can be focused locally, nationally or globally; it can be a solo action or involve a crowd – everyone is free to choose. Through WED, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) enables everyone to realize not only the responsibility of caring for the Earth, but it also reminds people of their individual power to become agents of change. Every action counts, and when multiplied, it has the potential to become exponential in its impact. This observance provides an ideal opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.

The main colors featured in many promotions are natural colors (softer shades of green, brown and blue), representative of Mother Nature and its natural resources. WED is for everybody; it doesn’t matter where you live, albeit in cold or sunny areas, in the city or the countryside.

History

In 1972, World Environment Day was designated by the UN General Assembly on the first day of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, resulting from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. In 1974 the first WED was held.

Since its inception, citizens from all over the world have organized thousands of events, from neighborhood clean-ups, to replanting forests. Thus, for more than four decades, WED has essentially raised awareness and supported action and change. More than 143 countries participate in this important day. It commenced as a result of efforts of leading environmentalists who recognized the need for there to be a coordinated global focus to begin to make conserving the environment and our natural resources a priority.

The Host

Every year, WED has a different global host country where the official celebrations take place. This is to ensure and highlight the environmental challenges it faces, as well as supports the effort to address them. This year’s host country, Canada, chose the theme and will be at the center of celebrations around the world. 

Theme for 2017

There couldn’t be a more fitting theme for 2017 than ‘Connecting People to Nature - in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator’. For the youth, this theme has particular relevance as children frequently don’t spend enough time in nature anymore. Similarly, adults also, nowadays, don’t seem to spend quality time outdoors. Corporations, NGOs, communities, celebrities, and governments use this theme to adopt to advocate environmental causes and organize events around the specific theme. Also, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to add activities related to the environment for saving it and to motivate people for taking initiative to achieve it too. This year, UNEP will strive to make WED epic. In support of the 2017 celebrations, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the #NatureForAll campaign have helped inspire people to get out into nature and record what they see.

In our modern world few of us take enough time away from our daily lives to appreciate and engage with our natural world. By celebrating this day surrounded by nature, we'll be able to rediscover the importance for caring for the environment so that it can care for us. 

Why is World Environment Day so important?

There's a closing window of opportunity to safeguard Earth’s capacity to support future generations. Meeting the immediate needs of growing human populations is threatening the equilibrium and viability of local and global ecosystems. Without public awareness of the importance of the environment on a global scale, politics won’t pay attention to changing legislation to govern practices that may be hurting the environment. When you create a group for World Environment Day, it’s a year round commitment to advocacy and action in your local area, and on a global scale to promote and encourage environmental responsibility and the conservation of natural resources.

The value of nature

The value of nature is truly expansive. As the official World Environment Day website notes: “Scientific advances and growing environmental problems (for example global warming) are helping us to understand the countless ways in which natural systems support our own prosperity and well-being”. It further explains that “the world’s oceans, forests and soils act as vast stores for greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; farmers and fisher-folk harness nature on land and under water to provide us with food”. Rural communities from all over the world are well connected to nature as they spend every working day conscious of the fact of their dependency on natural water supplies and are appreciative of the fact that nature provides their livelihoods in the form of fertile soil. As a result of this dependency, they are the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened and degraded due to factors such as pollution, climate change, and over-exploitation. Furthermore, nature’s value cannot only be measured in monetary value only. Just like clean air, it’s often taken for granted, at least until they become scarce. Nature is a wonderful setting for fun and adventure, it promotes health and well-being, it acts as a laboratory for limitless scientific exploration, and connects young and old generations to cultural roots. 

Up close with nature

When people forge personal connections with nature, the benefits to individual and societal health are endless and lay a foundation for lifelong support of nature conservation. Connecting to nature doesn’t have to involve only one of your physical senses. Take off your shoes and get your feet (and hands) dirty; take a night hike at night; and rely on your ears and nose to experience nature. Luckily, for people in cities, major parks can be seen as a green lung and a hub of biodiversity. In this manner, people can still feel connected to nature. You can green your urban environment too, by greening your street or a derelict site, or planting a window box. Nature is there to be enjoyed all-year round.

So, how can you be part of this memorable day?

There are a myriad of different WED activities in which all people can participate in. Here are just some ideas:

·         By reconnecting with our beautiful planet!

·         Go outside! Enjoy some of your country’s national parks.

·         Head to the beach

·         The WED website suggest that while you’re there to set a challenge for yourself by seeking out a rare mammal, identifying different butterfly species, and reaching the remotest corner of the park. It will be worth your while.

·         Join a growing number of citizen scientists: Today, more than ever, smartphone apps help you log your sightings and connect with others who can identify the species. These records feed into conservation strategies and assist in mapping the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

·         Weed and fertilize public trees and gardens.

·         Eat organic food and make meals from locally grown products.

·         Collect trash in your vicinity.

·         Think about how you can help save energy and reduce your monthly electricity bill.

·         Instead of driving with your car, why not drive a bicycle instead?

·         Hold a local educational forum about global environmental issues and invite in speakers.

·         By investing time in green spaces, Mother Nature will become more important for people. So, thus, get out into a local green space.

·         Think about what you can do reduce your carbon footprint as well as to be environmentally friendly as possible.

·         Be green – literally! Wear green clothes to show Mother Nature that you truly care for her and her wellbeing.

·         Learn more about environmental issues by conducting researching on these issues. Why not go a step further by coming up with your own ideas on how you can control them.

·         Buy items that are made up from recycled products. Look out for recycle symbol on the packaged goods).

·         Organise clean-up campaigns, art exhibits, tree-planting drives, and concerts, recycling drives, and social media campaigns.

·         Do one thing differently to increase how you benefit the environment.

·         Show that you’re #WithNature 

·         Use other hashtags such as: #WED #WorldEnvironmentDay #WED2017 #ILoveNature #ProtectMotherNature 

You don’t have to only partake in celebrations on the 5^th of June only – make every day a #Nature day! Mother Nature (and your health) will infinitely be happy! It’s so important to remember that “by keeping our planet healthy, we keep ourselves healthy too”. Evidently, we need harmony between humanity and nature in order for both to thrive.

What will YOU do to make this day count?

References

http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/about/connecting-people-nature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Environment_Day

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-is-world-environment-day.php

http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/latest-%E2%80%A8world-environment-day

https://www.cute-calendar.com/event/world-environment-day/21731.html

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/world-environment-day

http://www.greeningtheblue.org/event/world-environment-day

http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/about/what-is-it

https://europa.eu/capacity4dev/unep/event/world-environment-day-5-june-2017

http://worldenvironmentday.global/sites/default/files/toolkit_organizations/WED4_Lessons%20EN_FINAL.pdf
http://worldenvironmentday.global/sites/default/files/toolkit_organizations/WED1_IUCN_04.pdf
http://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/?q=en/events/world-environment-day-connecting-people-nature

International Day for Biological Diversity

On the 22^nd of May, a wonderful environmental day takes place: International Day for Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day. It is an annual observance and this United Nations–sanctioned is one of the most important days on the annual environmental calendar.  The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) in order to increase understanding and promote awareness of biodiversity issues as well as raise awareness about preserving endangered habitats. Previously, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity) was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity when it was first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993. Thereafter, in In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

But why an International Day for Biological Diversity?

Even though it has globally been recognised that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations, the number of species is still being significantly reduced by certain human activities. As a response, The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components as well as the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources”. This convention has been ratified by 196 nations. The General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of the adoption of its text, as the International Day for Biological Diversity by its resolution 55/201 of 20 December 2000. This was done as a result of an increasing importance of public education and awareness for the implementation of the Convention.

Theme for 2017

This year’s theme relates to Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism which is a very fitting and relevant topic. It has been specifically chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 70/193 and for which the United Nations World Tourism Organization is providing leadership. Biodiversity (at the level of species and ecosystems) also provides an imperative foundation for several aspects of tourism. Furthermore, the importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. Various issues addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. Consequently, a well-managed tourist sector can contribute meaningfully to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.

Importance of biodiversity

Biodiversity is life. Furthermore, it is a key condition for resilient ecosystems, able to adapt to a changing environment and unexpected challenges. Also, it’s as necessary for nature and humankind as cultural diversity, in order to build stronger, more resilient societies as they’ll be equipped with the tools they need to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

References

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-day-for-biological-diversity

http://www.un.org/en/events/biodiversityday/

https://www.cbd.int/idb/2017/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_for_Biological_Diversity

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/biological-diversity-day

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-for-biological-diversity/

Earth Day

Earth Day is annually celebrated on the 22^nd of April. It is observed all over the world and several events are held to support Mother Nature. This day commenced in 1970 and is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. Rallies, conferences, outdoor activities, and service projects occur. It places the spotlight on the threats the planet face as well as what an individual and communities can do to protect our beautiful Earth. On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, as well as 120 other countries, and it was a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

A march of science will take place and several communities celebrate Earth Week, comprising of an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world currently faces.

The essence of this critical environment day is to encourage people across the world to be more environmentally friendly.

So, what can you do?

·         Promote understanding of important environmental issues so that more people are aware of the critical actions we need to take to protect our environment.

·         Commit yourself to service on or around Earth Day by planting trees, participating in a beach clean-up, or help your local community garden.

·         Or simply take a walk in nature

·         Participate in recycling activities

·         Appreciate Mother Nature and all she does for us!

References 

http://www.livescience.com/50556-earth-day-facts-history.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/happy-earth-day-2017-what-10268507?service=responsive

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

Standing tall for giraffes

Source: Short Day

Imagine this: A dire world without the tallest land mammal in the world: The Giraffe. This can soon be reality if we don’t stick our necks out for giraffes – we have taken them for granted for far too long!

Unfortunately, the conservation status of giraffes  (Giraffa camelopardalis), has, for the first time, been classified as ‘Vulnerable to extinction’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in its Red List of Threatened Species report. These species were previously classified as ‘Least Concern’. But, their survival is in jeopardy as their populations are declining considerably. The animal faces extinction in the wild in the medium-term future if nothing is done to minimize the threats to its life or habitat. It came as a shock to many people as they didn’t see it coming. Julian Fennessy, executive director of Giraffe Conservation Foundation, calls it the “silent extinction”.

Source: ABC

Source: BBC

The sad fact is that they once roamed extensively across Africa's savannas and woodlands, but now only occupy half of the range they did a century ago. This remarkable yet humble animal is under severe pressure in East, Central, and West Africa, their core ranges. Here, the populations are sparse and fragmented due to i.e. roads and mines. Their woodland habitat has been cleared for farms or burnt for charcoal, they’ve been hunted by poachers for their 'trophy' tails, and a vast expanses of remote, biologically rich ecosystems to new development pressures and increasing human-wildlife conflict have occurred.

Source: The Verge

Their total numbers have declined by 40% in just the last few decades from more than 150,000 in 1985 to just over 97,000 in 2015. Moreover, they have disappeared entirely from seven African countries, namely Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Senegal. Their decline has been so abruptly because they reproduce slowly, occasional attacks by lions and hyenas, and they are unable to effectively adapt to their hostile surroundings.

Source: IB Times UK

We have to stop assuming that giraffes will survive one generation to the next. We all have to ensure that conservation take place while ensuring sustainable societies. Saving the iconic giraffe will be a tall order before we lose them forever, but will absolutely be worthwhile. Your grandchildren will be thankful that you helped these tall, majestic animals so that they, too, can learn more about these stunning animals, but, most importantly, abundantly experience the stunning picture below in real-life:

Source: Short Day

References

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/giraffes-silent-extinction/

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/08/world/sutter-giraffe-extinction/

https://news.mongabay.com/2016/12/giraffes-facing-silent-extinction-iucn/

http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/2988461/its_time_to_stand_tall_for_imperilled_giraffes.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/giraffes-silently-slip-endangered-species-list-180961372/

Pressing environmental issues

Source: One in a billion

There are several environmental concerns the Earth is currently facing. These issues affect all people, animals, communities, and nations around the world. Some of these changes are small and only affect a few ecosystems, but others are drastically changing landscapes. Environmental problems unfortunately make us vulnerable to disasters and tragedies, both now and in the future. Our environment is constantly changing. But human-related activities have certainly contributed towards accelerating such change which has negatively impacted Mother Nature. In fact, our planet is on the brink of a severe environmental crisis. We are heading to a state of planetary emergency. One thing is for sure: Earth is fragile and the need for change is critical so as to ensure a sustainable future. 

Source: Inhabitat

The environment is the habitat in which living things maintain their reciprocation and interact with each other throughout their lifetimes. Because life and environment are interdependent, environment is a vital human element. Human life and natural life are based on various balances. The environmental balance that human beings maintain is among the most important. Extraneous effects on the chain links that make up this natural balance will negatively affect this balance and lead to environmental problems. According to Watson and Halse (2005), human beings profoundly affect these environmental problems, and these human effects unprecedentedly reveal themselves in issues such as global warming, rain forest destruction, ozone layer breaches, and biological variety threats (Genc 215).Thus, it is vitally important that all people become increasingly aware about the various environmental problems that our planet is facing.

Source: WWF

Here is a look at the most pressing environmental issues of today that require urgent attention:

1.      Climate Change

Source: Youtube

Source: Climate Change Central

Climate change, as a serious environmental problem, has occurred over the few decades. Global warming is a contested environmental issue: many scientists are of the belief that the phenomenon is real. Other people are sceptical. However, undoubtedly several consequences of climate change can already be observed including the melting polar ice caps, gradual rise in sea level, unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, catastrophic weather, excessive snow, desertification, threatened ecosystems, and change in overall weather scenario. Moreover, humans have undeniably influenced climate change with the production of greenhouse gases (stemming from carbon dioxide and methane). One thing is for sure: Our planet is warming and changes will continue to occur stronger and negatively affecting the ecosystems.

2.      Water

Source: National Geographic Society

Source: Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation

In many parts of the world, water sources are scarce. The global reserves of drinkable water are a fraction of 1% and 1 in 5 humans doesn’t have access to potable water. Water pollution is also a worrisome occurrence. Other issues include acid rain, ocean dumping, urban runoff, oil spills, ocean acidification, and wastewater. In essence, potable drinking water is fast becoming a rare commodity.

3.      Pollution

Source: WWF

Air, water, and soil pollution have greatly occur all over the world. The number one pollutant is probably Industry and motor vehicle exhaust. Heavy metals, nitrates, and plastic are toxins responsible for pollution. Water pollution is caused by oil spill, acid rain, and urban runoff. Air pollution is primarily caused by gases and toxins released by industries and factories and combustion of fossil fuels. And soil pollution is predominantly caused by industrial waste, depriving soil from essential nutrients.

4.      Ecosystems and Endangered Species

Many species are under continuous threat, including indicator species (when this type of species becomes threatened, endangered, or extinct, an entire ecosystem faces collapse) and evolutionarily unique species. The consequences have a global impact.

5.      Ocean Acidification

The world's oceans have absorbed nearly a third of the excess carbon dioxide emitted as a result of anthropogenic activities. A side effect of carbon dioxide absorption is ocean acidification. Excessive CO2 production leads to ocean acidification (Sponberg 2007). The ocean acidity has increased by the last 250 years but by 2100, it may increase by 150 %.

6.      Ozone Layer Depletion

This is one of the most important and current environmental problem. The ozone layer (an invisible layer of protection around the planet protecting us from the sun’s harmful rays, preventing harmful UV radiation from reaching the earth) is depleted at unprecedented rates which can be attributed to pollution caused by Chloro-floro carbons (CFC’s). After these toxic gases reach the upper atmosphere, it causes a hole in the ozone layer and, sadly, the biggest of which is above the Antarctic. Nowadays, CFC’s are banned in many industries and consumer products.

7.      Natural resource depletion

Source: Futurism

Source: Emaze

Natural resource depletion is another crucial current environmental problems. Resource depletion is most commonly used with reference to farming, fishing, mining, water usage, and consumption of fossil fuels. The three main natural resources that are depleted are water, oil, and forests. Thankfully there has globally been a shift towards using more renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas, and geothermal energy.

8.      Deforestation

Source: Conserve Energy Future

Forests can be seen as natural sinks of carbon dioxide. It produces fresh oxygen and help to regulate temperature and rainfall. Presently, forests cover about 30% of the land. However, annually high percentage of tree cover is lost due to growing population as they have a greater demand for food and shelter. Thus, deforestation (clearing of green cover, making land available for residential, industrial, or commercial purposes) takes place at unprecedented rates.

9.  Acid Rain

Acid rain occurs as a result of the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere, either through the combustion of fossil fuels, erupting volcanoes, or rotting vegetation which release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Consequences of acid rain not only have serious impacts on human health but also on wildlife and aquatic species.

10.  Overpopulation

Source: Woolman blog

Source: Alternet

Overpopulation, an undesirable condition whereby the number of existing human population exceeds the carrying capacity of Earth, is another serious problem. The population of the planet has reached unprecedented, unsustainable levels which have led to several water, fuel, and food shortages. In particular, exceptional population growth in developing countries is straining the already scarce resources.

11.  Consumerism

Source: Wilsonlms

     Over-consumption and their effect on the planet are also persistent.

12.  Ecosystem destruction

Ecosystem destruction and associated environmental concerns, such as aquaculture, estuaries, shellfish protection, landscaping, wetlands, and ecological restoration has occurred tremendously. Human-induced activities have led to the extinction of species and habitats and loss of biodiversity. Ecosystems are in danger when any species population is destroyed. An example is the destruction of coral reefs in the various oceans, supporting the rich marine life.

13.  Carbon footprint

Carbon footprint (and the responsibility of individuals to reduce their effect on the environment, including the use of renewable energy sources (solar power, geothermal heat pumps), recycling, and sustainable living) must also be looked at.

14.  Fishing-related issues

Fishing and its effect on marine ecosystems, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, bottom trawling, whaling, and over-fishing require urgent attention and the proper management thereof.

Conclusion

The one thing that is certain is the fact that environmental protection and preservation of the planet is the responsibility of every individual and community on Earth. By raising important environmental awareness, you can assist in contributing towards a more environmentally conscious and friendly place where future generations can live in a clean, healthy, environmentally sustainable place.

References

Genc, M. 2015. The project-based learning approach in environmental education, International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 24:2, 105-117.

Sponberg, A.F. 2007. Ocean Acidification: The Biggest Threat to Our Oceans? American Institute of Biological Sciences.

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/15-current-environmental-problems.php

http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Top_30_Environmental_Concerns

http://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c11/E4-16-02-06.pdf