World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June: Significance & Theme of 2021

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated all around the world on the 5th of June every year. The first World Environment Day was celebrated on 5th June 1974. It is celebrated globally in order to raise awareness on environmental issues. Various events are organized on this day at schools, colleges, and workplaces with the aim to encourage people to plant more trees. This day is also called Eco Day or Environment Day. Every year there is a theme of World Environment Day. The theme of World Environment Day in 2021 is “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” Pakistan is the global host of the day in 2021 and the emphasis will be placed on ecosystem restoration in Pakistan. UN decade of Ecosystem Restoration will also be launched on this occasion.

We are facing an environmental emergency. With the advancement in technology, we have been exploiting our environment for decades to the point of almost return. The pollution is escalating to a threatening level. There is also a significant impact on biodiversity and climate. Through this day environmental issues like global warming, human overpopulation and marine pollution are highlighted. Sustainable consumption should be our primary focus if we want to preserve our resources.

To celebrate World Environment Day an Earth Anthem penned by poet Abhay K is sung:

Our cosmic oasis, cosmic blue pearl

the most beautiful planet in the universe

all the continents and all the oceans

united we stand as flora and fauna

united we stand as species of one earth

different cultures, beliefs and ways

we are humans, the earth is our home

all the people and the nations of the world

all for one and one for all

united we unfurl the blue marble flag.