O World Environment Day is commemorated on June 5. The date aims to make the population aware of the importance of preserving the environment and adopting sustainable practices on a daily basis. The theme for 2021 is “Ecosystems Restoration” and Pakistan will host the event.
The date will witness the launch of the “United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030”. The ONU’s Decade runs from 2021 to 2030, the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And it matches the timeline that scientists have identified as critical to averting the worst impacts of climate change. Humans are losing and destroying the foundations of their survival at an alarming rate. More than 4.7 million hectares of forests – an area larger than Denmark – are lost every year. By reducing the area of natural habitat for wildlife, we create the ideal conditions for pathogens – including the coronavirus – to spread. ONU pointed out that 70% of the latest epidemic outbreaks were caused by deforestation and the disruption of ecosystems and their species. Thus, the challenge of preserving the environment is also a challenge for the maintenance of life. Harmonizing our relationship with the planet is to ensure its capacity and sustainable development.