World Environment Day- 2021

We have been abusing and ruining our planet's ecosystems for far too long. Every three seconds, the globe loses enough forest to cover a football field, and we have destroyed half of our wetlands in the previous century. Even if global warming is limited to an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, up to 50% of our coral reefs have already been gone, and up to 90% of coral reefs could be destroyed by 2050.

Every year World Environment Day is observed on June 5. It is one of the UN's major steps to create awareness about the importance of preserving our environment. It was first observed in 1972 on the first day of the Stockholm conference on the human environment. COVID-19's appearance has also demonstrated the devastating implications of ecological destruction. We have created ideal circumstances for infections, such as coronaviruses, to increase by reducing the area of natural habitat for animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has joined the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to prevent and reverse the degradation of ecosystems and the diversity of life they support. WHO will collaborate with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and other partners as a collaborating agency.

We all rely on healthy ecosystems for survival, from forests to peatlands to beaches. Ecosystems are defined as the interactions of living species (plants, animals, and humans) with their environment. This encompasses both natural and artificial systems like cities and farms. People gain significantly from environmental restoration. At least seven to thirty dollars in societal returns can be expected for every dollar invested in restoration. Restoration also generates employment in rural regions, which are desperately needed.

During the pandemic, a load of untreated trash, like disinfectants, masks, and gloves, has increased by a factor of ten. Furthermore, whenever the situation returns to normal, the ecosystem may once again be harmed. For global environmental sustainability, long-term goals and proper execution of plans and policies are critical.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted: "At 11 AM tomorrow, 5th June will take part in the World Environment Programme on the theme of 'promotion of biofuels for a better environment.' Would also interact with farmers to hear their experiences of using ethanol and biogas."

The President of India also tweeted on the occasion: “Living in harmony with nature and protecting biodiversity has been at the centre of Indian ethos. On #WorldEnvironmentDay, as humanity fights against COVID-19, we affirm our commitment to work with global community for a sustainable future.”

"Pleasure is Nature's test, her sign of approval. When a man is happy, he is in harmony with himself and his environment". - Oscar Wilde