Engaging for the World Environment Day

Since 1974, a day dedicated to the environment

On 5th of June the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) observes the World Environment Day. It is the most renowned day for environmental action. Since 1974, it has been celebrated every year, engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue.

This year's theme - Biodiversity

The theme in 2020 is biodiversity – a concern that is both urgent and existential. Recent events, from bushfires in Brazil, the United States, and Australia to locust infestations across East Africa – and now, a global disease pandemic – demonstrate the interdependence of humans and the webs of life, in which they exist.

A loss of natural habitat

One million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, due in large part to a loss of natural habitat. Humans have severely altered 75% of land on the planet, and 66% of oceans, according to the Climate Change and Land report of The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The European Commission has adopted the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and an associated Action Plan aiming to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 with benefits for people, the climate and the planet.

The EESC and the #ForestChallenge

The EESC's Sustainable Development Observatory is observing the World Environment Day and participates in the #ForestChallenge. Please check the Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) Twitter account for more information.

Everything depends on nature. As part of nature we need to recognise its right to exist. #NaturesRights

Cillian LOHAN, vice-president of the Sustainable Development Observatory

The tree is a source of O2 and biodiversity. It stores carbon throughout its life, and does so even after it dies in the soil. The longer a tree is allowed to live, the better its environmental impact. 

 

Arnaud SCHWARTZ, member of the Sustainable Development Observatory

 

We only have one planet: it's high time to reduce our #EcologicalFootprint by implementing the #SDGs!

 

Arnaud SCHWARTZ, member of the Sustainable Development Observatory


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