About World Environment Day 2008

The World Environment Day (WED) is observed annually on 5 June as an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on environmental issues. WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment held in Sweden. At this historic conference, nations of the world gathered to share their concerns over human progress at the expense of the environment. WED is observed to inspire action by governments, individuals, NGOs, youth and general community to improve their environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

UNEP uses WED as a principle vehicle to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and action. Every year, UNEP announces a theme for the WED to highlight and bring people’s attention to issues and concerns surrounding the theme. The WED slogan and theme for the year 2008 is "CO₂, Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy". The theme and slogan highlight that Climate Change is the defining issue of our times and the challenge needs to be addressed by all of us. Also, WED is hosted every year by a different city and this years UNEP’s main international celebrations will be held in the city of Wellington, New Zealand.

The day is observed in more than 100 countries and in India the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) organizes special events on WED. The slogan announced by UNEP has been adapted by the MoEF to “CO₂, Pick Right! Towards Sustainability and Growth”.  Pick Right! is a positive message which encourages each individual to reflect on lifestyle choices which matter in dealing with Climate Change. The choices we do make in our everyday living are vital in the carbon footprint that we leave on earth. By making the right choices we can lead our future towards sustainability and growth.

WED at Ministry of Environment & Forests

The MoEF, through its various programmes reaches out to students, youths and people in general and creates awareness on environmental issues. These programmes are also the principal way of spreading the message of WED on June 5. On June 5, MoEF also publishes a message on WED in all the leading newspapers of the country. A special event is organized at New Delhi to celebrate WED. The event includes painting competition for children, skit performance, film shows, release of educational material, distribution of awards etc.

For More Details Please Log on to: Ministry of Environment & Forests