World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 and acts as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness about environmental issues. It unites millions of people across the globe in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. For 2024 the event focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience #GenerationRestoration.
Drought, desertification, and land degradation
Climate change and its effect on drought, desertification, and land degradation poses an escalating threat to the planet and its inhabitants. Globally, over 2 billion hectares of land are degraded – an area nearly equivalent to the combined size of India and the Russian Federation. Annually, around 12 million hectares of land are lost to degradation, significantly impacting global food and water supplies. Each year, 55 million people are directly affected by droughts, making it the most severe hazard to livestock and crops in nearly every region of the world.
The global role of women
In developing countries, women constitute 45% of the agricultural labour force, with their participation ranging from 20% in Latin America to as high as 60% in parts of Africa and Asia. This substantial involvement underscores the critical role women play in agriculture and ecosystem management. Involving women in ecosystem restoration is essential for several reasons:
- Women often possess extensive knowledge about local ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, which can be pivotal in restoration efforts. Their involvement ensures that restoration projects are more attuned to the unique environmental and social contexts of their communities.
- Empowering women through active participation in restoration promotes equality and enhances community resilience.
- Women are also more likely to invest their earnings in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and economic outcomes.
Moreover, when women are included in decision-making processes, the strategies for ecosystem restoration are more comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs of all community members. This inclusivity enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of restoration initiatives. Therefore, the success of ecosystem restoration efforts is intricately linked to the active and meaningful participation of women. Women’s involvement is not only beneficial but indispensable.
Relevance to the UK
In the UK, this day also provides an opportunity to highlight specific national concerns. These include our habitat destruction, air pollution and plastic waste.
One of the most pressing issues in the UK is air quality. Despite improvements over the past few decades, air pollution remains a significant health threat. Cities like London frequently exceed safe air pollution levels, leading to thousands of premature deaths each year. World Environment Day helps to spotlight these issues, fostering public understanding and prompting governmental action.
Promoting sustainable practices
World Environment Day helps to encourage individuals and organisations to adopt more sustainable practices. In the UK, this translated into increased efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy. This led to the current government setting legally binding targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal requires substantial changes across various sectors.
Businesses and individuals alike are encouraged to reduce waste, conserve energy, and embrace sustainable alternatives. For example, many UK supermarkets have pledged to eliminate single-use plastics and increase the use of recyclable materials. Initiatives like these gain additional momentum and public attention around World Environment Day, driving further progress towards sustainability goals.
Encouraging community involvement
World Environment Day also emphasises the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Across the UK, numerous events and activities are organised to engage local communities. From tree planting drives to beach clean-ups, these activities not only improve the local environment but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
In Cornwall, for example, community groups regularly organise beach clean-ups to tackle marine litter, a significant problem affecting the UK’s coastlines. These initiatives, often highlighted on World Environment Day, not only help to protect marine ecosystems but also raise awareness about the broader issue of plastic pollution. In 2021, the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) charity when it set up the Million Mile Clean reported that volunteers removed over 12,000 kg of litter from UK beaches.
Every day should be World Environment Day
Below is a selection of statements by our current committee and members about what this day means to them. However, here at Green Party Women we think every day should be World Environment Day.
Daily awareness and action are crucial in combating climate change, reducing pollution, and preserving biodiversity. By integrating sustainable practices into our own everyday routines, we can collectively make a significant difference. Continuous environmental consciousness also fosters a culture of responsibility and stewardship, ensuring that we protect natural resources not just for ourselves but also all other species. Making every day World Environment Day would encourage ongoing commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Why World Enviroment day important to us
