World Environment Day
5th June 2019
5th June 2019
World Environment Day takes place on 5th June 2019 and, this year, the campaign focusses on air pollution. Approximately 7 million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution.
World Environment Day is urging governments, industry, communities and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy, green technologies and help improve air quality in their local area.
World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, which takes place on 5th June every year and is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide. Since it began in 1972, it has grown to become the single largest celebration of our environment each year.
UN Environment is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
This year, World Environment Day focusses on air pollution. Did you know that:
Air pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin; many air pollutants, such as ‘black carbon’ or ground-level ozone – the main ingredient in smog – have important impacts on the climate.
A 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that if the planet is to succeed in limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, deep and simultaneous reductions of CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants like methane and black carbon are necessary.
It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce the toxins that pollute our atmosphere. Not everyone can change their circumstances but if those who can do, we can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Some simple steps you can take to #BeatAirPollution include: use public transport or car sharing; cycle or walk; compost organic food items and recycle non-organic trash; reduce your consumption of meat and dairy to help cut methane emissions and save energy by turning off lights and electronics not in use.
Why not turn off your lights, ditch your wheels and take a stroll through picturesque Tunbridge Wells this week? There are plenty of things to explore on foot; including the historic Pantiles. We look forward to welcoming you on World Environment Day!