World Environment Day (WED) was celebrated on June 5 with theme on ‘Biodiversity’

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  World Environment Day (WED) was celebrated on June 5 with theme on ‘Biodiversity’

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Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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• WED has been celebrated on June 5 every year since 1974.
• It is the UN's primary vehicle to spread awareness about the challenges and the need for environment conservation.
• It has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on environmental issues emerging from marine pollution, human overpopulation, and global warming, to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.
• It has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually.
• The theme for WED 2020 is biodiversity, a concern described as "both urgent and existential".
• India will be focusing on the Nagar Van (Urban Forests) apart from the official theme of the WED.
• The Indian Navy has also marked the day through various initiatives which are intended to reduce its environmental footprint.
• The emergence of COVID-19 has underscored the fact that, when we destroy biodiversity, we destroy the system that supports human life.
• One consequence of Covid-induced lockdowns around the world has been lower air pollution levels.
• In April, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported 46% reduction in PM2.5 levels and 50% depletion in PM10 concentrations in Delhi - one of the most polluted capitals in the world.
• Humanity’s unhealthy relationship with nature:

1. Humanity has altered 75 per cent of the Earth’s ice-free surface.  
2. Since 1990, 420 million hectares of forest, equal to three times the size of South Africa, have been lost.
3. Nearly one million species face extinction, while the illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest illegal trade crime in the world.

• World Environment Day: Announcements from government –

1. Government to implement Nagar Van scheme to develop 200 Urban Forests across the country in next five years.
2. Power Ministry launched the ‘#iCommit’ initiative to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability.

Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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