2004
This theme asked that we make a choice as to how we want to treat the
Earth’s seas and oceans.
Oceans cover 70 percent of the world´s surface and more than 90 percent
of the world´s living biomass - from seaweed to blue whales - is found in the
oceans.
More than 3.5 billion people depend on the seas for their primary source of
food. The numbers could double in 20 years.
More than 70 percent of the world´s marine fisheries are fished up to or
beyond their sustainable limit. Stocks of fish such as tuna, cod, swordfish
and marlin have declined by up to 90 percent in the past century.
2005
When roads and buildings replace natural land cover, urban air
temperatures can exceed those of the surrounding countryside by as much
as 41ºF (5ºC). Creation or preservation of green spaces in cities can lessen
this so-called heat-island effect. Green areas in urban settings also produce
oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and enhance air quality; provide storm
water control; and provide habitat for urban wildlife. Well-managed urban
settlements can support growing urban populations by limiting their impact
on the environment and improving their health.
2006
This theme emphasized the importance of protecting drylands, which
cover more than 40% of the planet’s land area. This ecosystem is home to
one-third of the world’s people.
Desertification is defined by the UN Convention to Combat
Desertification as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human
activities.” Land degradation in dry lands is defined as the reduction or loss
of the biological or economic productivity of dry lands. It affects one third of
the Earth’s surface and more than 1 billion people.
The consequences of desertification and drought include food
insecurity, famine and poverty. The ensuing social, economic, and political
tensions can create conflicts, cause more impoverishment, and further
increase land degradation. Growing desertification worldwide threatens to
increase by millions the number of poor forced to seek new homes and
livelihoods.
2007
The futures of hundreds of millions of people across the world will be
affected by declines in snow cover, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, and lake
ice. Effects are likely to include significant changes in the availability of
water supplies for drinking and agriculture. Additionally, rising sea levels
may affect low lying coasts and islands. An estimated 40 percent of the
world's population could be affected by loss of snow and glaciers on the
mountains of Asia. Similar challenges are facing countries, communities,
farmers, and power generators in the Alps to the Andes and the Pyrenees.
2008
Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy
Recognizing that climate change was becoming the defining issue of our
era, this theme asked countries, companies, and communities to focus on
greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World
Environment Day in 2008 highlighted resources and initiatives that
promoted low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy
efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation, and eco-friendly
consumption.
2009
Climate change will affect many aspects of the environment. Globally, there
will be more extreme weather including drought, flooding, disruption and
destruction of plant and animal species, the spread of diseases and other
natural disasters. These consequences make the issue of climate change a
major concern to all.
Halting climate change will require a commitment from everyone because
humans are causing the damage. Green technologies and habits should
replace carbon emitting, fuel-guzzling practices. Responsible use of water,
energy, and recycling on the part of individuals can go a long way in saving
our future from catastrophes and devastation.
2010
This theme echoed the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our
planet. A world without biodiversity is a very bleak prospect. Millions of
people and millions of species all share the same planet, and only together
can we enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
A total of 17,291 species are known to be threatened with extinction –
from little-known plants and insects to charismatic birds and mammals. This
is just the tip of the iceberg; many species disappear before they are even
discovered.
The reason? Human activities. With our present approach to
development, we have caused the clearing of much of the original forest,
drained half of the world’s wetlands, depleted three quarters of all fish stocks,
and emitted enough heat-trapping gases to keep our planet warming for
centuries to come. We have put our foot on the accelerator, making species
extinctions occur at up to 1000 times the natural rate.
2011
Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions
and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. In
fact, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. They play a key role
in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while
storing carbon dioxide.
Forests feed our rivers and are essential to supplying the water for nearly
50% of our largest cities. They create and maintain soil fertility. They help to
regulate the often devastating impact of storms, floods and fires. Forests are
home to more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
They are the green lungs of the earth, vital to the survival of people everywhere -all seven billion of us.
Moreover, they embody so much of what is good and strong in our lives.
Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health
benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to live and breathe.
2012
There were two components to this theme. The first tackled the
subject of the Green Economy. The UN Environment Programme
defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human
well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing
environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest
expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low
carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.
The second part of the theme questioned what this all meant
for individuals. The idea was if the Green Economy is about social
equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about you! The
question therefore asked one to find out more about the Green
Economy and assess whether, in their country, they were being
included in it.
2013
This theme is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign. According to
the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tons
of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in the
whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the
world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5
die daily from hunger.
Given this enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant
devastating effects on the environment, the year’s theme – Think. Eat.
Save – encouraged people to become more aware of the environmental
impact of the food choices they make and empowers them to make
informed decisions.
While the planet is struggling to provide us with enough resources to
sustain its 7 billion people, FAO estimates that a third of global food
production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on
natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts.