UNESCO’s programmes in the sciences, as well as its programmes in the fields of education, culture and communication that relate to the environment, are important vehicles that can promote awareness about our changing planet and help find collective solutions to mitigate adverse changes and their impacts.
UNESCO seeks to contribute to our understanding of the natural world and its processes, through its scientific and environment-related programmes. Its 531 sites in 105 countries are thus a valuable network of laboratories where best practices towards sustainable development are implemented and studied in close co-operation with governments and civil society. As an educational Organization, UNESCO also seeks to promote environmental education at all levels of schooling, formal and non-formal.
How can you celebrate World Environment Day?
World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways, including street rallies, bicycles parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action.
Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth. Serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and economic planning. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.
On this World Environment Day, let us examine the state of our environment. Let us consider carefully the actions which each of us must take, and then address ourselves to our common task of preserving all life on earth in a mood of sober resolution and quiet confidence.
:: Message from Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO
:: Twelve Steps to Help you Kick the CO2 Habit
:: World Environment Day booklet
:: UNESCO Water Portal
:: People, Biodiversity and Ecology
:: Earth sciences
:: UNESCO Communication and Information for Environment