The month of the summer solstice is also the time for several major environmental events. As we grapple with global warming and its ill effects, it seems symbolic that so many reminders about our climate should fall in the hottest month of the year. It is important to remember that each of these events has relevance and significance that goes far beyond just one day.

World Environment Day (June 5)

Organized since 1974, this is the most important event initiated by the UN to spread awareness about a range of environmental issues. World Environment Day (WED) has grown substantially over the years. It is a truly global event with the participation of millions of people in more than 140 countries. The 2020 theme for WED is ‘Celebrate Biodiversity’. It will be hosted in Colombia, which has part of the Amazon rainforest. Colombia is also one of the planet’s 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries. WED also marks the formation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on June 5, 1972. UNEP continuously works to help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

World Oceans Day (June 8)

This event was conceptualized in 1992, and has been formally observed since 2008. It was designed to raise public interest and support toward the sustainable management of oceanic resources. Popular events organized on this day include beach cleanups, conservation awareness programs at aquariums and zoos, and screening similarly themed films. A big topic during this event is seafood and the sustainability issues surrounding it. World Oceans Day puts a special emphasis on engaging and empowering youth. Some years back the UN initiated an oceanic photography competition to augment Ocean Day. There is a growing movement calling for the expansion of protected areas in oceans. Protected areas improve marine ecology by replenishing fish stocks and saving vulnerable species from extinction. In addition to the UN, two of the most active organizations in this regard are The Ocean Project and World Ocean Network. Together they organize hundreds of events on Ocean Day.

Coral Triangle Day (June 9)

The coral triangle is vast patch of ocean near the equator, where the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans converge. It is one of the three places on earth with the richest marine biodiversity. This region is home to more than half of the earth’s coral reefs and a majority of marine species. It is a breeding ground and sanctuary for thousands of species of fish which start life on these reefs as juveniles. These fish species are important to global fisheries, and supplement the food supply of nearly half of humanity. Preserving biodiversity in the coral triangle is vital to ensure a chance of recovery from the damaging effects of global warming on the world’s oceans. The reefs of the coral triangle are currently under threat from rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, overfishing, and harmful fishing practices. A significant percentage of the reefs have bleached and died. Coral Triangle Day was established in 2012 collectively by the six countries surrounding this threatened marine habitat. The underlying message of this event is to preserve ocean species and protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on them.

Global Wind Day (June 15)

Celebrated annually since 2015, this is an event to spread awareness about the benefits of wind power. Europe leads the world in installed wind power generation capacity. Global Wind Day is jointly organized by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). It is targeted toward the general public, including children. Hundreds of events are organized on wind day each year to engage the general public. Activities range from family outings to wind farm visits to seminars.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17)

Desertification is not the expansion of naturally existing deserts. It is the process by which fertile areas become arid, unproductive, and inhospitable. The leading cause of desertification is global warming as a result of human activities. Deforestation and exploitative agriculture are contributing factors as well. Desertification is closely linked to droughts. It has environmental, economic, and political outcomes. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was drafted in 1995. The UN recognizes desertification as a form of degradation of the earth’s ecosystems, which goes against the SDGs. This day is observed to renew the commitment of SDG signatory nations to combat land degradation.

Remittances and the environment

The International Day of Family Remittances is observed annually on June 16. Coincidentally it occurs in the same time frame as numerous environmental observances. Annual global remittance flows are expected to have exceeded $720 billion annually. Most of these funds are channeled to low and middle income countries. Remittances generally improve living standards and enable children to go to school. Education improves environmental awareness. There is also a strong inverse correlation between literacy and birth rates. In the long term this helps control human overpopulation. Therefore remittances indirectly promote environmental conservation in several ways.

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Veronica

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