Every year on June 5, World Environment Day is observed around the world. With the ever-increasing process of industrialisation and development, planet earth keeps on being more and more vulnerable. The idea is therefore to create awareness among people regarding the protection and preservation of the surrounding environment. The date coincides with the first day of a landmark Conference.

In the year 1972, the first major conference on environmental issues, convened under the auspices of the United Nations, was held from June 5-16 in Stockholm (Sweden). Known as the Conference on the Human Environment, or the Stockholm Conference, its goal was to forge a basic common outlook on how to address the challenge of preserving and enhancing the human environment. This in fact marked a turning point in the development of international environmental politics.

Later that year, on 15 December, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating June 5 as World Environment Day and urging Governments and the organisations in the entire United Nations system, to undertake every year world on that day -wide activities reaffirming their concern for the preservation of the environment, with a view to deepening environmental awareness as well as values and to pursuing the determination expressed at the Conference. This is the history of the observance of World Environment Day.

Also on 15 December, the General Assembly adopted another resolution that led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the specialised agency on environmental issues.

Since the first celebration in 1974, the World Environment Day has helped UNEP to raise awareness and generate political momentum around growing concerns such as the depletion of the ozone layer, toxic chemicals, desertification and global warming. The Day has developed into a global platform for taking action on urgent environmental issues. Millions of people have taken part over the years, helping drive change in our consumption habits, as well as in national and international environmental policy.

Compiled by Law Desk (SOURCE: UN.ORG)