World Environment Day

World Environment Day History

World Environment Day provides an opportunity for humanity to come together to address environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. This global observance aims to raise awareness and promote sustainable living practices among all, regardless of nationality or socioeconomic status. The World Environment Day commemoration recognizes the importance of preserving our natural resources and fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment.

Established in 1974, World Environment Day has grown to become a significant platform for raising awareness and driving environmental changes, including policy shifts and increased public participation. Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and pollution place immense pressure on Nigeria's environment, and climate change further exacerbates these vulnerabilities. Celebrating World Environment Day generates much-needed momentum to address these challenges, and encourages Nigerian citizens to rethink their lifestyles, embrace sustainable choices, and contribute to the global struggle for environmental preservation.

Typical customs during World Environment Day in Nigeria include tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, recycling drives, and educational workshops and seminars dedicated to environmental issues. Focused initiatives are carried out across the country with the goal of bettering both local and global environmental conditions, as they understand and acknowledge the interconnectivity of the world's ecosystems. By participating in World Environment Day, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to the cause of environmental preservation, while also expressing solidarity with the global community. World Environment Day is observed on June 5th every year.

World Environment Day facts

• Approximately 70% of Earth's oxygen is produced by marine plants. The remaining 30% is generated by terrestrial plants, including trees and other vegetation.
• The Earth's average temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. This is primarily due to human activities.
• It is estimated that about 18 million acres (7.3 million hectares) of forests are lost each year, equivalent to roughly 27 soccer fields per minute.
• Only about 64% of Nigerians have access to clean, safe drinking water.
• Nigeria is among the top oil-producing nations globally, but oil spills resulting from pipeline leaks and explosions have caused severe pollution in the Niger Delta. It is estimated that over 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled annually in this region, contaminating water sources, destroying ecosystems, and affecting the health and livelihoods of local communities.

In the News and Trending in Nigeria for World Environment Day

Top things to do in Nigeria for World Environment Day

• The Environmental Media Association hands out awards each year. Take a look at the nominees and winners and consider trying yourself.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about the environmental issues in Nigeria. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Nowhere to Run (2015): This Nigerian documentary, produced by the International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development, focuses on the complex environmental issues facing the country, including deforestation, desertification, erosion, and the Niger Delta oil spills.
  2. Delta Boys (2011): A documentary about the rising militancy in the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta, and the environmental destruction caused by the oil industry. It follows the controversial Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which claims to be fighting for the rights of local communities.
  3. Shell's Reckoning (2009): A short BBC documentary about the legal battle between the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta and the Royal Dutch Shell Corporation, after the devastating effects of continuous oil spills and gas flaring.
• Read a book to learn more about the environmental issues in Nigeria. Here are our top picks:
  1. Environment, Economy, and Development in Nigeria: Realities and Prospects by Emeka Nwachukwu
  2. Petroleum Politics and Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta by Josephine F. Ayankoya
  3. Gas Flaring, Human and Environmental Health Challenges in the Niger Delta of Nigeria by Jude Ogheneochuko