Today is World Environment Day (June 5th)

Today is World Environment Day (June 5th)

Fri, 2015-06-05 06:57 — editor

By Manjari Peiris

The international theme for this year is, “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet, consume with care”. This theme highlights the fact that human needs, economic growth and the sustainable us of the environment are directly Food, air and water needed for the beings are obtained from the environment, while the world economy runs on resources derived from the environment. Therefore responsible management of the natural resources obtained from the earth is essential to sustain its ability to continue to provide for human well being and the economy.

Nevertheless there is evidence that people are consuming far more natural resources than the planet may provide. Many ecosystems are nearing depletion and irreversible change since humans are using resources at a high rate.

“If current consumption and production patterns remain the same with a rising population which is expected to reach 9.6 billion, by 2050, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption.” States UN Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon.

The theme for this year calls on every consumer to take responsibility to relieve the earth from the demands of over consumption of natural resources. As individuals we need to be thoughtful that the planet is shared with 7 billion people. The earth can then meet the needs of its entire people at present, and in future too!

We need to act urgently to stop excessive consumption and wastage and to change to sustainable living. We have one earth to sustain the requirements of 7 billion consumers. Let us be mindful of our consumption and allow others as well to live.

Today is World Environment Day (June 5th). This day is dedicated by the United Nations to encourage people worldwide raise awareness and to take action to improve the environment

Recently the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, stated that he would use his Executive Powers only to protect the environment which is a very ardent statement made towards the well-being of the people of the country.

Worldwide, smokers throw at least 4.5 trillion cigarette butts each year. A study published in the journal Tobacco Control from a US researchers’ study where they call for better enforcement of laws against littering to reduce the environmental impact of cigarette butts, additional taxes on tobacco products to go towards clean-up efforts, and more effort on the part of tobacco industry to reduce packaging waste and educate consumers about the impact of tobacco waste on the environment.

“The average cigarette butt contains numerous chemicals which may be considered health hazards,” states the co-authors Dr. Thomas Novotny of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia and Dr. Feng Zhao of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

The researchers note that “smokers may not consider that a cigarette butt is little, but these waste products seem to be ubi1uitous. “ Butts are often cast onto the sidewalk, where they often end up in drains and then out to lakes and seas. While the paper and tobacco of cigarette butts are biodegradable, their cellulose acetate filters are not.” the report mentions.

Discarded cigarette butts in ashtrays cab also pose a serious health risk to children, such as vomiting, gagging and lethargy.

- Asian Tribune -