Environmental Day

World Environment Day

World Environment Day 2009 focuses on the challenges facing the people and ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic, as a result of rapid environmental and climatic change. In doing so, it also links to the wider world where glaciers are shrinking and an increasing number of extreme weather events are triggering more frequent droughts and floods.

Each year, a different city is chosen as the principal venue for the global celebration of World Environment Day. The host government and/or city, in cooperation with UNEP, set the tone for the event. A theme, slogan and logo are selected to be the focus for all World Environment Day information materials and promotional activities worldwide

Greenhouse effect

It is estimated that the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has gone up by 25 percent since the industrial revolution of 1789.
This has led to an increase of 0.1C in the ocean temperature.
While the Arctic ice was 6-7 mts. (20-23 ft.) in 1976 has reduced to 4-5 mts. (13-17ft.) by 1987.
» Greenhouse effect

Global warming

The climate change attributed to the Greenhouse effect. It is estimated that by 2030, average global temperatures will rise between 0.7-2⁰ C. This would lead to increase in the average sea level due to the melting of polar ice caps. This could lead to the submergence of low lying areas and islands around the world.

Climate change

The various alterations\modifications happening in climate over a period of time. This is caused by an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which inhibit the transmission of some of the sun's energy from the earth's surface to outer space. These gases include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and other chemicals. Due to deforestation, burning of fossil fuels such as petrol, oil, coal and natural gas; and the release of CFCs from refrigerators and air conditioners.

What can we do?

As humanity moves toward the 21st century, we are left with no choice but to redefine the values and principles that underlie our relationship with the Earth. Clearly, a new approach is required.

Greening Science and Technology: Science and technology have played a critical role in the development of human history and will be one of the key determining factors in shaping a sustainable future. However, the impacts of technological development and their applications have also become so serious that they threaten the stability of the ecosystem and human society.

Sharing Responsibilities: All members of human society are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the environment as a Whole-Life-System. Individual efforts can be enhanced through building networks within and among all levels of civil society and government, industry and business, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).