Inverse Karma

Over three decades ago, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) dedicated this day to promote world-wide environmental awareness. World Environment Day (WED) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. And from then, the tradition has been that a chosen nation hosts the year’s celebrations.

The theme for WED 2009 is ‘Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change’. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests. It also raises a call for everyone to get involved, rethink actions and ways that result in wastage and heavy greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt a greener lifestyle.

Each year a different nation is chosen as the principal venue for the global celebration of World Environment Day. This year’s host is Mexico, which reflects the growing role of the Latin American country in the fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets.

The programmes scheduled for this year are an interesting lot (There will also be photo exhibits, an art competition, a Maya ‘Healing the Earth’ ceremony, and a Symphonic Visual Concert entitled ‘The Shield of Nature’ by the Philharmonic Choir and World Heritage Orchestra). The main objectives of the campaign are:

• Give a human face to environmental issues.
• Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.
• Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues.
• Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The highlights of this year’s WED are:

• “Seal the Deal!” Campaign in Copenhagen to negotiate a comprehensive global climate agreement for the period after 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires.
• Launch of Climate Heroes which supports individuals who are undertaking exceptional personal feats, high-profile expeditions, and other acts of environmental activism to demonstrate their commitment and to raise awareness for one simple idea: Your planet needs You!
• The Billion Tree Campaign with a target of planting seven billion trees.

Go Green!

World Environment Day is about taking action to be part of the solution, and going green is not as difficult as you might think. We can all do our part to protect the planet by using less and acting more. A few interesting and easy ways that the UNEP suggests to GREEN your routine are:

• For those who suffer from road rage, remember that aggressive driving lowers your mileage, so if you want to save on fuel and save the planet while you’re at it, accelerate gradually – something to keep in mind the next time that bad driver cuts you off! Just count to 10 and say “The planet needs me!”
• When you need a pad for lists and messages, turn over an old document and write on the back of that instead.
• Do you have a morning hot drink routine? Using a washable mug is an environmentally friendly alternative to non-biodegradable Styrofoam or plastic cups.
• Radical as it may seem, in today’s “the easier the better” society, the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint is by avoiding driving altogether. Power down and Instead try biking, walking, carpooling, public transport or an occasional telecommute.

Start Doing

Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, there are many ways you can help combat climate change. World Environment Day is the perfect time to make the commitment and step up your activities by joining a global movement. Every voice counts. Show your support by taking practical action, such as:

• Adopting the ‘Unite’ call to action by making it the theme or slogan for your company or organization’s long-term activities and campaigns on climate change.
• Making a statement and creating your own legacy by arranging a tree planting activity for World Environment Day on 5 June 2009 and registering your activity on the UNEP WED website.
• Endorsing and publicizing the campaign by featuring the Unite banner on your homepage.
• Spreading the word within your own networks to help get the Unite to Combat Climate Change message out to as many people as possible, in every corner of the world.
• Registering your activity with UNEP on any new, interesting and creative campaign ideas that you are developing or that you want to collaborate with the UNEP on!

So go on and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Happy World Environment Day!!

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