World Environment Day – 2012

RSPN initiating cleaning campaign commemorating its 25^th Anniversary

Every year 5^th June is celebrated throughout the world as the World Environment Day.  World Environment Day (WED) is observed each year as an annual event and supposedly the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action.  The day is celebrated with environment related activities involving people from all walks of life.

WED is a UN Environment Programme initiative and it was first celebrated in 1972. Through this the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action.

World Environment Day is an opportunity for the global citizens to come together to ensure a cleaner, greener and brighter outlook for themselves and future generations.  Institutions and individuals organize cleaning and tree plantation campaigns, talks, awareness shows, cycling, fund raising concerts etc.

In Bhutan, schools and government agencies conduct similar cleaning and tree plantation campaigns, art and creative writing competitions, awareness concerts. The National Environment Commission Secretariat is commemorating the day at the Clock Tower Square in Thimphu. RSPN will be supporting a cleaning campaign in Phobjikha Valley with support from Phobjikha Middle Secondary School.  Our motto for the day is “Act Locally Think Globally”.  RSPN’s support is also to commemorate its Silver Jubilee – 25^th Anniversary in the service of conserving the country’s Environment.

What are you doing for the environment on this day?

This year’s WED’s theme is Green Economy: Does it include YOU? (Source: http://www.unep.org/wed/about/)

The 2012 theme for World Environment Day is Green Economy: Does it include you? Evidently, there are two parts to this theme and the first tackles the subject of the Green Economy. This is where some people shut off their minds because they find the concept of the Green Economy a little too complex to understand.

On the contrary, the Green Economy is really something that is applicable all around you and it is easy to imagine how you fit in it. Visit the ‘What is the Green Economy?’ page to read a layman’s narrative of this concept.

The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.

Practically speaking, a Green Economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes.

But what does all this mean for you? Well, this essentially what the second part of the theme is all about. If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about you! The question therefore asks you to find out more about the Green Economy and assess whether, in your country, you are being included in it.

Contributed by: Tshering Phuntsho