What is World Environment Day

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 to remind us that humans are not alone on this planet; we live in close harmony with other species.

Nature has given humans the ability to do far greater things than other species are capable of. Probably that’s why, in our selfish interest, we have forgotten about others and intentionally or unintentionally destroyed beautiful nature.

Dwindling forests, air pollution, water shortages, extinction of many animals, rising earth temperature, and reducing ice caps are prime examples of our negligence or cruelty (depending on what side you want to sit on).

Pandemic lockdowns were a great example that demonstrated that when economic activities came to a standstill, nature started peeping out. People could witness snow-capped mountains, which have been hidden for the last 30-40 years because of pollution and dismal air quality. This was a small reminder from nature to wake up.

World Environment Day

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the year 1972, on the first day of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, World Environment Day was established.

Two years later, in 1974, the first World Environment Day was held with the theme “Only One Earth.” From there, this day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of environmental issues, global warming, sustainability, etc.

Human beings cannot survive in isolation; the entire ecosystem is interconnected. The food we eat, the oxygen we breathe, the water we drink, the beautiful sights we see – all of it is bio-diversity.

From tiny ants & little insects to big elephants & giant whales – everything plays a part in the ecosystem.

A small video by Change Started presents the importance of species in our biodiversity; no matter how big or small, each has a mind-boggling impact on the ecosystem. 

Wrapping Up

It is not about just one day; we need to celebrate Environment Day every day; we can do so by:

• Bringing small and incremental changes in our lifestyle and adopting habits and products that are not environmentally damaging.
• Educating other people as this is not a fight we can win alone; if we can create awareness among a small minority of people, it will make a world of difference.