Today, June 5, is World Environment Day. China is this year’s host country and will be the center of World Environment Day activities. The theme for World Environment Day 2019 is ‘“Air pollution”. Air pollution leads to the death of 800 people every hour or 13 people every minute. This is more than three times the number of people who die from malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS combined.
We live in an age where we are so engrossed in technology to the point of forgetting our connection to nature. This is also a time when we need great efforts to preserve the planet but are encountering greater obstacles to accomplishing this goal. In this context, Chief Seattle’s words from his 1854 speech in reply to President Franklin Pierce’s offer to buy Indian tribal land seem quite prescient: “Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” (Read the full speech here)
While we are trying to beat air pollution, why not take some steps to do our part for the environment? Here are some things you may consider doing as part of your World Environment Day activities:
Visit the World Environment Day website
- Pick up 10 pieces of litter (or maybe 100)
- Plant a tree
- Calculate your carbon footprint
- Become part of or organize a clean-up campaign for your local park or river
- Donate to an environmental cause
- Carpool/ride a bike/walk to work, restaurant, or the grocery store
- Use a reusable tote bag to carry groceries
- Make a pledge to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (and follow through)
- Turn off your lights for five minutes tonight (and whenever they are not needed) to conserve energy
- Organize a public awareness event – like an environment-themed quiz or debate
- Share this post to spread awareness
What all environment-friendly activities did you participate in on World Environment Day 2019? Do you have any additional activities that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Hi there! I’m Aaram, the founder of Sciencera. I grew up in the beautiful city of Thiruvananthapuram in the Southern part of India, famous for its pristine beaches. Now, I am a scientific writer based in Indianapolis. When I am not busy procrastinating on my writing, poring through research articles, or coming up with grand ideas to save the planet, I love playing soccer and chess. I read a bit and write sporadically when caffeinated to the right amount. I am passionate about scientific research, writing, and outreach activities.
