Today, Friday 5th June 2009, millions of people worldwide come together to celebrate World Environment Day to combat climate change.

The theme for this year is “Your Planet Needs You!” and there are celebrations taking part around the world. But you can still do your bit without leaving your desk.

A Twitter campaign is being held by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) whereby one tree will be planted for every person who follows them on Twitter.  Just log onto http://twitter.com/UNEPandYou , and click “follow”.

The event is billed as being truly global.  Other highlights include:
- Afghanistan:  A street clean is taking place in Kabul with awareness-raising campaigns through schools and mosques.
- Nepal: An ‘Ecofootball’ match entitled ‘GOAL-against Climate Change’ will bring together celebrities, politicians and environmentalists.
- Brazil: Volunteers will be targeted to produce, translate and disseminate information and advice on environmentally-friendly lifestyles.
- Kenya: A seafront clean-up will be organized on the island of Lamu with schoolchildren, students, as well as community and government representatives.
- Belgium: The EchoFestival in Brussels’s Royal Park will include a picnic, exhibits, a concert and a fair for a “shared eco-cultural experience”.
- Republic of Korea: 30,000 children will take part in a painting competition on the environment.

So are days like this useful in terms of changing public opinion, and most importantly, protecting the environment?  Let us know…

Friday 5 June 2009 11:40 | Published by a.smith | Categoriy: Interesting Stuff,Sustainability,events