Environmental Day Celebration 2024

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is a global initiative led by the United Nations to foster environmental awareness and promote action to safeguard our planet. This day serves as a platform to highlight pressing environmental issues and motivate individuals and governments worldwide to take proactive measures in environmental protection.

The inception of World Environment Day dates back to 1972. It was then that the United Nations, an international coalition of countries, recognized the need for a dedicated day to focus on environmental concerns. The idea was born from the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 5th of that year. This landmark conference was the first of its kind, addressing critical discussions on environmental protection. To commemorate this pivotal event, the inaugural World Environment Day was celebrated the following year, in 1973. Since then, June 5th has been observed annually as World Environment Day.

The theme for the 2024 edition of World Environment Day is "Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration," emphasizing land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience. This year's focus is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Through this theme, the United Nations aims to inspire collective efforts to restore degraded land, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.



According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, directly impacting half of the global population and endangering nearly half of the world’s GDP, estimated at US$44 trillion. Since 2000, the frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29 percent, and without urgent intervention, droughts could affect over three-quarters of the global population by 2050.

Land restoration is a crucial component of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), which aims to protect and rejuvenate ecosystems worldwide, a vital step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

On June 5th, 2024, Govt College of Teacher Education celebrated World Environment Day with a vibrant event in General Hall 1. The day began with a soulful prayer song by Daya Baburaj, setting a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Aslamiya, a first-year B.Ed. Natural Science student, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

The college principal, Dr. A. V. Sujith, delivered an insightful presidential address. He discussed the Earth's various layers and emphasized the significance of World Environment Day, urging everyone to increase their environmental awareness and take action.

Ward councillor Mr. G. Madav Das inaugurated the event, sharing heartfelt anecdotes from his community that highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship. A special segment honored the dedicated members of the Harithakarma Sena, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to environmental conservation.

The highlight of the event was a resource talk by Dr. Sujith V. Gopalan, who provided a wealth of information on critical issues such as climate change, ecosystem restoration, the complexities of the food web, and the dangers posed by invasive species. His presentation was both enlightening and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The event also included heartfelt speeches from Shiba teacher and Amal R., the College Union Chairman, which added to the day’s significance and fostered a sense of camaraderie.

In the afternoon, to mark the importance of the day, our principal planted a sapling on the grounds of Model Boys HSS, Thycaud. This act symbolized our commitment to environmental preservation and the future.

The Environmental Day celebration at Govt College of Teacher Education was more than just an event; it was a rallying call to action, inspiring all who attended to take meaningful steps toward protecting and preserving our planet.

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