What is June 5th World Environment Day? Throughout human history, the development of civilizations, along with the increase in population and industrialization, has shown a cumulative increase in environmental problems. The rapid depletion of natural resources, along with the rise in air, water, and soil pollution, poses a serious threat to the vitality of ecosystems. In the face of these environmental issues, the responsibility to protect today and the future is becoming increasingly important for humanity every passing day.
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Environmental issues cannot be ignored, and in 1972, the United Nations Conference on the Environment was held in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, with the participation of Turkey and 113 other countries. The aim was to identify problems, find short- and long-term solutions, and raise awareness in society, which is why June 5 was declared World Environment Day. Since then, Environment Day has been celebrated every year with various activities focusing on different themes worldwide.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead
Historical Approaches to Environmental Issues
Stockholm Summit
The meeting held in Stockholm in 1972 has a historical significance in taking many actions. The studies targeted at this summit form the basis for the work to be done in subsequent years. It was emphasized that environmental issues are not the monopoly of a single country and that they need to be evaluated on an international scale with the necessity of joint efforts.
Rio Summit
In 1992, the World Environment Summit convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Rio Declaration was published. Unlike the Stockholm summit, fundamental principles for which all countries of the world are responsible were declared. The necessity for humanity to live in harmony with nature, along with sustainable development and the adoption of a universal perspective, were emphasized. Inter-state cooperation was encouraged, and a peaceful approach was promoted for resolving environmental issues, with steps taken towards fulfilling legal requirements.
Another difference from the Stockholm summit is that, in addition to governments, civil society organizations, businesspeople, many activists, and prominent figures from the scientific community also came together at this summit. During the establishment of these commissions, the impact of creating environmental ethics cannot be denied.
It has taken its place in history as a small reality.### Environment Day Themes“There's Only One World” is the slogan that starts the environmental adventure, with different themes determined each year.The theme for World Environment Day in 2018 was "Combating Plastic Pollution." It has been proven that the increase in plastic use worldwide has detrimental effects on ecosystems. In our country, efforts have been encouraged to control plastic materials at the source before use and to separate waste for evaluation in recycling facilities after use.This year's theme for World Environment Day 2019 is "Air Pollution." This environmental issue, which has increased in the last century and even led to fatal effects, aims to raise awareness through different perspectives. This year, China will host the events, and efforts to improve air pollution will be shared with countries worldwide, aiming to increase the use of renewable energy and green technologies.As a result, despite these efforts, the increase in water pollution, soil pollution, and consequently other environmental problems alongside air pollution is still unfortunately observed in our country and around the world. For this reason, it has been understood that environmental ethics and awareness must be established first, and the careful use of natural resources and the implementation of sustainable development are necessary. With this aim, many R&D studies directed towards permanent solutions need to be conducted and developed, supported by technological possibilities. Only in this way will the purpose of World Environment Day be achieved.
