!!! Happy World Environment Day 2009 !!!

• Jun. 5 by Anthony Dosanjh (1)

As mentioned in a previous article our very own editors Georgie Campbell and Kirsty Booth are omitting as many electrical appliances from their day as possible today. Unfortunately I shall not be omitting items as I tried this a few years ago and it’s lasted about an hour without anything and then I was back on everything again.

So in support of this year’s World Environment Day I shall be discussing in brief a history and this year’s edition of the day. 

The day was created by the United Nations General Assembly back in 1972 and in the same year the United Nations Environment Programme was created. The UNEP uses the day to stimulate awareness of the environment. The event is hosted every year by a different city and usually has a different theme as well.
There are three main reasons for the celebration every year. The first is to give a human face to environmental issues and the second is to empower people. The final reason is that it promotes understanding that communities are crucial to environmental solutions.

Last year’s host was New Zealand and the slogan was “C02-kick the habit towards a low carbon economy”. Activities based around the event spanned over two weeks and an online game was created for the event.

This year Mexico City play hosts to the day, however there will be many event which will be held all over the world in support of the day. I spoke to five local people about the day, in Birmingham City Centre. 

Pete, 26, Sales Assistant

“I never knew about the day if I am honest, but I will try to use less electronical stuff if it makes a difference”.

Kim, 39, Unemployed

“I did know about the day, and every year I try to do something, this year I am trying not using anything electric, if that is possible”

James, 32, Teacher

“I didn’t know to be honest, and it sounds like a lot of hassle.”

Kenny, 20, Student

“Are you taking the mick? I thought it was world doughnut day, If it is environment day as well I wouldn’t care that much, on another day maybe.”

Nicola, 26, Unemployed

“This is a really important day, more people should do things to help the environment”.