New Zealand is hosting World Environment Day 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on June 5. The Ministry for the Environment is the lead government agency coordinating the event alongside UNEP. You can visit the UNEP website for more information about the programme.

Why World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is observed annually in more than 100 countries, and is one of the most popular days on the United Nations calendar.

While Wellington is the nominated host city, this is a national event in which all New Zealanders can participate through a wide range of community-based, regional activities.

World Environment Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on national environment issues. New Zealand businesses and communities can tie-in their own environmental and sustainable activities and messages to the event and take advantage of WED’s status and media focus.

Kicking the Habit

The theme for World Environment Day 2008 is climate change with a focus on moving towards a low carbon economy and lifestyle. “Kick the Habit” (the ‘carbon’ habit) is the international slogan for the event.

The theme will also include the role of forest conservation and sustainable forestry in achieving domestic and global climate change goals.

What can I do for World Environment Day?

There are many ways you can kick the carbon habit for World Environment Day. You could cycle or bus to work and leave your car at home, cut your rubbish and waste by half that week, use less electricity and less water.

Find out what you can do to celebrate World Environment Day and about the sustainability challenge.

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