World Environment Day

World Environment Day History

World Environment Day is an opportunity for citizens across the globe to come together to raise awareness and take action to protect the environment. The event provides a forum for governments, businesses, and individuals to discuss and promote solutions to environmental challenges facing the planet. By acknowledging the value of our natural resources, World Environment Day encourages people to develop a sense of responsibility to conserve, restore, and appreciate the environment in order to preserve it for future generations.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972 as a means of commemorating the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The UK has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, but more action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment. World Environment Day serves to remind UK citizens of the importance of ongoing efforts to address these challenges and secure a sustainable future.

In the United Kingdom, World Environment Day typically consists of various environmental activities and events, engaging communities across the country. Activities may range from educational workshops and conferences to community tree plantings and clean-up campaigns. Schools, nonprofits, and community groups often organize events and encourage people to partake in local initiatives. 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.
• Air pollution has become a significant issue in the UK, as it affects both urban and rural areas. It is estimated that air pollution contributes to 40,000 premature deaths each year. Major sources of air pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and agricultural activities.
• The UK has one of the lowest forest covers in Europe, with only around 13% forest cover. Increasing urbanization, agricultural expansion, and climate change are negatively impacting forest ecosystems and contributing to habitat loss for various species.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Environment Day

Top things to do in the UK 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 environmental issues in the UK. Here are our top picks:
  1. Trashed (2012) - A documentary featuring Jeremy Irons as he explores the damaging effects of waste and pollution in the UK and worldwide.
  2. Drowning in Plastic (2018) - A BBC documentary that investigates the growing plastic pollution problem in the oceans, including its impact on the UK's shores.
  3. Our Planet (2019) - This Netflix series, narrated by David Attenborough, showcases the beauty and fragility of Earth's ecosystems, featuring various locales in the UK and raising awareness about environmental challenges facing our planet.
• Read a book to learn more about environmental issues in the United Kingdom. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life by George Monbiot - This book particularly focuses on the UK and explores the concept of rewilding, or returning nature to a more wild and uncultivated state as a way to combat environmental issues.
  2. Climate Change and British Wildlife by Trevor Beebee - This comprehensive guide provides an overview of how climate change is affecting the UK's unique flora and fauna.
  3. Britain's Habitats: A Field Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Great Britain and Ireland by Sophie Lake and Durwyn Liley - This book offers a detailed exploration of the UK's diverse range of habitats, from coastal cliffs and woodlands to marshes and peat bogs.