SHAH ALAM - World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and inspire action toward environmental protection and sustainability.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of the event, with Saudi Arabia hosting the celebrations, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship in alignment with Vision 2030 goals.
Origins and Evolution
The United Nations General Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972, coinciding with the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first international summit addressing environmental issues.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has spearheaded the event since its inaugural celebration in 1973 under the theme "Only One Earth." Today, more than 150 countries participate in this international day, emphasising the collective effort required to safeguard our planet.
2024 Theme: Land Restoration and Resilience
The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," highlighting the urgent need to address land degradation and improve drought resilience.
According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, 40 per cent of the planet's land is currently degraded, impacting half of the global population.
The frequency and duration of droughts have surged by 29 per cent since 2000, posing a threat to three-quarters of the world's population by 2050 without immediate intervention.
Global and Local Initiatives
World Environment Day mobilises individuals, communities, governments, and businesses to take actionable steps towards a sustainable future.
Activities range from tree planting and waste reduction campaigns to supporting renewable energy initiatives.
The day also stressed the importance of ecosystem restoration as a crucial strategy to mitigate climate change, necessitating a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming within safe limits.
Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its dedication to restoration through its Green Initiative, planting over 49 million trees and shrubs since 2021 and achieving significant urban temperature reductions.
Celebrations for World Environment Day extend across various sectors, including schools, offices, and local organisations.
Events such as educational workshops, community clean-ups, and sustainability fairs aim to engage and educate the public about the importance of environmental conservation.
World Environment Day 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the environment.
By focusing on land restoration and drought resilience, this year’s theme calls for immediate and sustained action to combat environmental degradation and promote a healthier, more sustainable planet.