5 June is World Environment
Day. It marks the anniversary of
the Stockholm Conference on human Environment held in Sweden
in 1972. At this historic conference nations of the world
gathered to share their concern over human progress at the
expense of the environment. The meeting called upon the world
community to work towards "development without destruction".
The international theme this year declared
by UNEP is "Give Earth a Chance". On this day
let us solemnly reaffirm our commitment to ensure, collectively
and individually, that our small planet is passed over to
future generations in a condition, which guarantees a life
in human dignity for all.
What does environment mean?
Is it something
"out there"? Yes and no. Environment is what is
around us--air, water, land, rocks, plants and animals.
But it is also our neighbourhood, our village, town
or city, our culture and society. Our environment is a part
of us, just as we are a part of it.
Does it have boundaries?
No. Environment has no limits--it is whole, continuous,
indivisible. It is common to all living organisms--humans,
animals and plants.
Where do I fit into it?
My environment is my home, my school, my office. It could
just as well be my city, country, the world. I belong to
my environment, grow up in it, learn from it, depend on
it, contribute to it--and influence it, just as it influences
me.
I am my environment, and my environment
is me. What happens to my environment, happens to me--for
better or for worse.