Climate awareness campaigns mark the first point of communication with the public to trigger informational gateways that translate into public discussion, debates and pave the way for results on the ground in the form on sustainable solutions.
The quality of the air we breathe is not dependent on the weather alone but upon the lifestyle choices that we make on a daily basis.“Once upon a time, we had dinosaurs and clean air to breathe……” Before you laugh this off, do consider that every minute, 13 people die before their time because of air pollution. Today marks World Environment Day. And do we breathe clean air? You know the answer. Probably not! So, this may be how Indian grandparents read out fairy tale stories to their grandchildren as there is no clean air to breathe anymore, just as there are no dinosaurs we can spot in our midst.
Air pollution is the key theme for World Environment Day, which is observed on 5 June 2019. The quality of the air we breathe is not dependent on the weather alone but upon the lifestyle choices that we make on a daily basis.
On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on living in harmony with Nature in the following tweet, “Our planet and environment is something we all cherish greatly. Today, on World Environment Day, we reiterate our commitment to ensure a cleaner planet. Living in harmony with Nature will lead to a better future.”
The most important question that we all need to ask ourselves is this: “What are you doing to reduce carbon emissions footprint?”
On World Environment Day, we take a closer look at how other countries are taking significant steps to encourage their citizens to incorporate sustainable and earth-friendly choices in their daily life.
A fundamental shift begins with our daily transportation choices. Almost a century ago, Bangkok used to ensure public transportation through their khlongs or network of canals. These worked just fine till Bangkok, like the rest of the world, became mesmerized by the world of automobiles. But now Bangkok is all set to leverage its historical transportation system and come forward with reviving waterborne network service across the city and integrate it into other mass transit systems to improve its traffic system in a more environment-friendly way.
Another good example is Hangzhou in China, where around 70 per cent of public buses are already electric and private investment continues to be pumped in to support sustainable public transportation systems.
The Beijing Airport, for instance, has played played a pivotal role in spreading environmental awareness among travelers.
माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः।
Our Planet and Environment is something we all cherish greatly. Today on #WorldEnvironmentDay, we reiterate our commitment to ensure a cleaner planet.
Living in harmony with nature will lead to a better future. pic.twitter.com/3V7yLD3d8U
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2019
Partnerships are critical for climate challenges. Delighted by our continued partnership with Beijing Airport to spread environmental awareness among travelers. Passing through the airport sometime soon? Check our great exhibition to #BeatAirPollution #WorldEnviromentDay pic.twitter.com/7cftsMzRvJ
— Joyce Msuya (@JoyceMsuya) June 5, 2019
Great to travel around Hangzhou in China today on an electric bus. 70% of public buses in the city are now electric. Good to see making a fundamental shift in investment patterns in favour of efficient, clean, and reliable public transit. Important to #BeatAirPollution pic.twitter.com/m9mUEjSsNf
— Joyce Msuya (@JoyceMsuya) June 4, 2019
Building the world’s first fossil-free society seems like ‘Mission Impossible’ but recently, Finland has pledged to pave the way for this transformational change and become a carbon neutral nation by 2035.
The announcement has been further backed by a significant increase in Finland’s public spending on infrastructure and welfare. Commendable efforts are already underway to raise increased spending. Taxes are set to be raised through fossil fuel levies and a sale of state assets, according to its policy document.
Young people like the students I met in Germany are demanding that today’s leaders act on behalf of future generations. I echo that demand: We must address the climate emergency with ambition and urgency. #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/TBqZMXnl4l
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 29, 2019
“When you act on air pollution, you actually address the climate change challenges as well.” – @JoyceMsuya
Join us in raising your voice and taking action to #BeatAirPollution for #WorldEnvironmentDay! #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/FBm9kMRtwQ
— UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) June 5, 2019
Leila & her husband started growing organic, natural vegetables. Now, they can eat from their farm and increase their income. via @UN_Women #WorldEnvironmentDay pic.twitter.com/ReJVxYocAX
— UN Women India (@unwomenindia) June 4, 2019
Thank you, Arnold @Schwarzenegger for helping me do the heavy lifting to protect our planet through your continued commitment to #ClimateAction. pic.twitter.com/roorpl9bWa
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 28, 2019
Air pollution kills 7 million people every year, damages economies, hurts child development and also sets every country backward in terms of development. Climate awareness campaigns mark the first point of communication with the public to trigger informational gateways that translate into public discussion, debates and pave the way for results on the ground in the form on sustainable solutions.
As the world is heading towards a global climate emergency, every tiny step makes a big difference in saving lives and nurturing the earth.
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