World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. In support of the UN designation of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States, World Environment Day this year focuses on small island developing states in the context of climate change, with the slogan "Raise your voice, not the sea level."
Current development trends have increased air pollution and atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (particularly CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide), contributing to climate change. As the temperature of the planet increases, sea levels are expected to rise, and the ranges of many diseases are expected to expand. Small island developing states are uniquely vulnerable to these effects.
Barbados, one of the smallest independent states in the world, is the global host of World Environment Day 2014. The country organized a week-long celebration running until 7 June to call attention to the impact of climate change on health, especially in small island developing states. The campaign urges people to make WED action pledges, choosing from among 21 pledges such as buying local, using reusable bags for shopping, using less packaging, carpooling and others. Other events include a fruit-tree planting initiative in schools and a coastal tour focusing on climate change and natural resources.
Read more: http://www.unep.org/wed/
