Lucita Jasmin Division of Communications and Public Information United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – www.unep.org
The 2012 theme for World Environment Day is Green Economy: Does it include you? Evidently, there are two parts to this theme and the first tackles the subject of the Green Economy. This is where some people shut off their minds because they find the concept of the Green Economy a little too complex to understand.
The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
Natalie Epler Associate Information Management Officer UNEP/CMS – www.cms.int
Migratory Birds and People – Together through Time
World Migratory Bird Day 2012 (12-13 May 2012) celebrates the continuing relationship between migratory birds and people. The relationship between birds and people has always been a special one, and the closer one looks at these valuable associations, the greater these connections seem to become. Throughout time and across cultures humans have relied on birds, be it to supply food, to deliver messages, or to serve as symbols of power and prestige.
The United Nations proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity to promote a greater understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Another simple way to join the campaign is by inviting your family and friends to become friends of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 on FACEBOOK. It will be one more way to reach as many people as possible.
Bryan Buchanan Communications Director Earth Day Network – www.earthday.org
On April 22, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012 and help Mobilize the Earth™. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Together they will stand united for a sustainable future and call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part.
As the 42 Anniversary of Earth Day approaches, people are becoming frustrated with the failure of governments to take any steps toward protecting and preserving the environment. The Earth Day 2012 campaign is designed to provide people with the opportunity to unite their voices in a call for a sustainable future and direct them toward quantifiable outcomes, using vehicles such as petitions, the Billion Acts of Green® campaign, and events.
The UN-Water World Water Day Team UN Water – www.unwater.org
World Water Day 2012: The World Is Thirsty Because We Are Hungry
World Water Day 2012 is coordinated by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is a global campaign to promote worldwide efforts to raise awareness and take action to respond to the challenge of maintaining and improving access and safety in regards to water and food. UN-Water is dedicating World Water Day in 2012 to the theme of ‘Water and Food Security’.
As the largest environmental event in history, Earth Hour launched its 2012 campaign “I Will If You Will” to showcase how everyone has the power to change the world they live in.
For the first time, Earth Hour, being held on 31 March, is taking a giant leap from its annual lights out event to offer a further opportunity for its communities to be part of the world’s environmental solution.
Earth Hour began as a one city initiative in 2007, and has since grown to be a 5, 251 city strong global movement, reaching 1.8 billion people in 135 countries across all seven continents.
Earth Hour 2012 will take place at 8.30pm – 9.30pm on Saturday 31 March
