World Environment Day 2008
June 5
About World Environment Day 2008
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand. UNEP is honoured that the city of Wellington will be hosting this United Nations day (read the press release).
The day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
When did it all begin?
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
(Source: http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/About_WED_2008/index.asp)
eJournal USA / Publication
The Greening of U.S. Corporations (
online version/
PDF version)
This issue of eJournal USA delves into what those familiar with the history of the environmental movement in the United States might see as a surprising trend — the way U.S. corporations in recent years have embraced environmentally friendly ways of doing business. What prompts a corporation to “go green”?
Projected dramatic increases in energy consumption in the coming decades, combined with a higher risk of climate change, require a massive global response based on technological innovation and the power of the marketplace. Experts and government officials describe the options before us, including renewable energy, novel vehicles, and low-carbon power generation, and discuss the best ways leading to a sustainable energy future.
Rachel Carson was a quiet woman who stirred extraordinary controversy that persists decades after her death. Her 1962 book Silent Spring brought worldwide attention to the harm to human health and the environment wrought by mishandling of a powerful pesticide, fomenting the environmental movement.
In the 100th anniversary year of Carson's birth, this publication examines how occasionally in history a book with a powerful idea can bring about peaceful but dramatic change in a democratic society.
Poster Show
Earth Day 2008 poster show
Green Technology poster show
Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Public Service Announcement
Harrison Ford, Actor
The Dept. of State, in partnership with non-profit organization WildAid, has produced three television public service announcements to combat wildlife trafficking featuring actor Harrison Ford. More than 30 U.S. embassies in all regions of the world will showcase the PSAs in a global launch beginning June 5, World Environment Day. The ads will be broadcast globally on television and cable stations.
We have a situation here. Our planet’s endangered animals are vanishing at an alarming rate.
Connect the dots and you discover a thin line separates a buyer from a killer.In other words, if you buy an illegal wildlife product here, you kill an endangered animal here. So please, don’t do it.When the buying stops, the killing can too. Case closed.
[View PSA]
Some people call this a souvenir, I call it criminal.Many of the world’s most magnificent animals are being pushed towards extinction by the illegal trade in products made from their body parts.When you travel abroad you may be offered some of these products.They might look nothing like the animal itself, but don’t be fooled, an animal’s been killed to make one of these. Thanks anyway, drop me a postcard instead. Please remember, when the buying stops, the killing can too.
[View PSA]
If somebody tells you don’t worry about the slaughter of tigers and elephants, there are lots of them out there….Don’t buy it. And if they say it’s fine to buy products made from animals facing extinction….Definitely, don’t buy it. Our endangered animals are being destroyed by illegal wildlife trade. It’s up to us to stop it. Never buy illegal wildlife products. When the buying stops the killing can too. You said it pal.
U.S. Department of State Information (America.gov)
Timeline of Environmental Treaties, America.gov
Governments, Industry Working to Stem CO2 Emissions from Coal
U.S. Program Helps Save Tropical Forests, Cut Foreign Debt
Polar Bears to Be Listed as “Threatened,” Interior Secretary Says
Social Entrepreneurs Target Climate Change
Maryland Cooperates with Landowners for Environmental Health
Technology-based Policy on Climate Change Urged by Bush
What is Earth Day?
Solar and Wind Resources Can Fuel the Future
Business, Investors, and the Environment
U.S. Companies Embrace Green Technology
U.S. Communities Embrace Recycling To Protect the Environment
Video - America.gov
The Greening of San Francisco (2:59)
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and city officials describe their aggressive goals for “greening” the city using its own renewable resources.
Renewable Energy: Climate Change (2:11)
Renewable Minnesota (3:05)
UNEP Information
U.S. Department of State Information (America.gov)
World Environment Day 2008
Factsheet on Twelve Steps to Help You Kick the CO2 Habit
WED Alphabet - 80 Ways to Celebrate
Inspiring Examples
World Environment Day 2008 booklet
What is the IRC?
Special Feature
U.S. Elections 2008
