World Environment Day 2022: Do your bit to save the planet

To spread awareness among people about environmental conservation and value of nature in our lives, the World Environment Day is celebrated each year on June 5.

The need to spread awareness is more pertinent than ever as the Earth, which is our home, is beset by perils of pollution, climate change and global warming.

Each year, a specific theme is decided to mark this day to amplify the important message behind it. This year's theme is 'Only One Earth', which draws our attention towards playing our role effectively while living in perfect harmony with nature - without proving a burden on it.


“The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet,” UNEP said.

The history of the World Environment Day goes back to 1972, when it was established by the UN General Assembly at the time of Stockholm Conference and the day was first celebrated in the year 1974.

It's mankind's responsibility to save the planet from various harms, most of them originating from relentless human activities.

UNEP has also called on individuals, businesses and governments to share with the world what they are doing to help the environment.

"World Environment Day #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet, our common home," it said. "Register your environmental events, campaigns and advocacy as an Earth Action Number and share your impact with the world."

India on the forefront
Meanwhile, the Centre has issued an advisory to states and union territories to phase out single-use plastic and contribute to improving the environment under the overarching mandate of "Clean and Green."

On the eve of the World Environment Day, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said states and UTs have been asked to take up a range of activities to make the country free of single-use plastic (SUP).

The activities will include large-scale cleaning and 'plogging' drives with special emphasis on plastic waste collection, as well as large-scale tree plantation drives with participation of all citizens – students, voluntary organisations, self-help groups, local NGOs/CSOs, NSS and NCC cadets, RWAs, market associations and corporate entities among others, it said.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 currently being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, plastic-waste management, including elimination of SUP, is a crucial area of focus.