World Environment Day is an opportunity for communities and individuals around the world to reflect on how important it is to preserve and protect our planet. This annual event is aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues, ranging from pollution to deforestation. World Environment Day, a United Nations-designated day, encourages everyone to work together to make small but significant changes in order to reduce the impact of ever-growing environmental concerns.
World Environment Day dates back to 1972 when the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was founded. World Environment Day is of particular significance in Australia because of its unique and diverse fauna and flora. Climate change is a major factor in the Great Barrier Reef’s decline, as it is the largest coral reef system on the planet. Australians can use this day to better understand the challenges that their local ecosystems face and encourage sustainable living.
World Environment Day in Australia is usually celebrated with various activities, such as tree planting events, educational workshops and awareness campaigns. Schools and local councils organise environmentally-focused initiatives that engage the whole community, from children to adults. These events offer individuals practical and tangible ways to improve their environment footprint and contribute towards the health of our planet. The Observance is generally held on the fifth of June every year.
World Environment Day: Top Things to Do in Australia
- Environmental Media Association awards are given out every year. Check out the winners and nominees, and try it yourself.
- Learn more about environmental issues in Australia by watching a documentary. Here are some of our favorites:
1. The Bentley Effect This Australian documentary highlights the successful campaign of a community from Northern New South Wales to stop unconventional gas drilling.
2. Galilee: a guard for the Galilee This documentary (2017) highlights the fight against Adani Carmichael’s proposed coal mine in Queensland that threatens the Great Barrier Reef as well as local ecosystems.
3. Fight for the Bight (2019) This documentary tells of the Great Australian Bight’s fight against oil drilling corporations. - Learn more about environmental issues in Australia by reading a book. Here are some ideas:
1. The Big Fix: Radical Solutions to Australia’s Environmental Crisis Ian Lowe’s book is a comprehensive study of Australia’s environmental problems and offers radical solutions to address them.
2. The Feldt Tapes: Caught in Action Bob Feldt’s book provides an insider perspective on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, as well as other important environmental initiatives.
3. Silent Spring Revisited – Pesticides and Endangered Species Philip M. Hunter’s book examines the impact of pesticides on Australian wildlife and environment. It draws parallels with Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.
World Environment Day Facts
- Around 70% of Earth’s air is produced by plants in the ocean. Terrestrial plants, such as trees and other vegetation, produce the remaining 30%.
- Since pre-industrial times, the average temperature of Earth has increased by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius. Human activities are primarily responsible for this.
- Estimates suggest that approximately 18 million acres (7.3 millions hectares), or roughly 27 soccer fields, are lost every year.
- Water scarcity in Australia is a major issue. The mismanagement of water resources and population growth are aggravating the problem. This leads to increased water restrictions and a strain on agricultural production.
- Australia is home to around 10 percent of the biodiversity in the world. Australia’s biodiversity is declining despite this. Nearly 1800 species and eco-communities are currently listed as endangered.
World Environment Day: Top Things to Do in Australia
Environmental Media Association awards are given out every year. Check out the winners and nominees, and try it yourself.
Learn more about environmental issues in Australia by watching a documentary. Here are some of our favorites:
1. The Bentley Effect This Australian documentary highlights the successful campaign of a community from Northern New South Wales to stop unconventional gas drilling.
2. Galilee: a guard for the Galilee This documentary (2017) highlights the fight against Adani Carmichael’s proposed coal mine in Queensland that threatens the Great Barrier Reef as well as local ecosystems.
3. Fight for the Bight This documentary (2019) tells the tale of the Great Australian Bight, and the fight it has waged against oil drilling corporations.
Learn more about environmental issues in Australia by reading a book. Here are a few suggestions:
1. The Big Fix: Radical Solutions to Australia’s Environmental Crisis Ian Lowe’s book is a comprehensive study of Australia’s environmental problems and offers radical solutions to address them.
2. The Feldt Tapes: Caught in Action Bob Feldt’s book provides an insider perspective on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, as well as other important environmental initiatives.
3. Silent Spring Revisited – Pesticides and Endangered Species Philip M. Hunter’s book examines the impact of pesticides on Australian wildlife and environment. It draws parallels with Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.
