World Environment Day 2020 | UPSC

• World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on 5th June every year.

• In view of the prevalent situation due to COVID-19 pandemic the ministry will be holding virtual celebrations of World Environment Day on this year’s theme theme with focus on Nagar Van (Urban Forests).

• The country is endowed with rich biodiversity having several species of animals and plants and hosts 4 of the 35 global bio-diversity hotspots containing several endemic species.
• The urban forest will help in creating and enhancing the lung capacities of these cities.
• The Wajre Urban Forest is now a role model for the rest of the country.

BACKGROUND:

In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly established the World Environment Day on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

According to United Nations, “The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment.”

WHY WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ?

• The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from nature.
• For instance, each year, marine plants produce more than a half of our atmosphere’s oxygen, and a mature tree cleans our air, absorbing 22 kilos of carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen in exchange.
• Despite all the benefits that our nature give us, we still mistreat it.
• That is why we need to work on that. That is why we need this Observance.