World Environment Day 2020: History, Theme, Host & Positive Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Environment

World Environment Day is observed every year on 5 June to address environmental issues by implementing new & effective plans to make the environment safe, healthy and ensured for a better future. To make life better and more natural, the World Environment Day Campaign was established to bring some positive changes in the environment across the world.

Nowadays, the issue of environment is a big topic of discussion, about which everyone should be aware and make their positive efforts to face this problem. There is much hope from country’s youths to bring some positive changes in the environment that is prone to pollution and global warming.

History of World Environment Day

World Environment Day was announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 on the occasion of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment. However, this campaign was first celebrated on 5 June 1973. It is celebrated every year and its program is specifically based on the annual theme declared by the United Nations.

Theme & Host of World Environment Day 2020

The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is biodiversity and this theme focuses on 'time for nature' and providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development.

Every year this day is hosted by a different country and this year it will be hosted by Colombia in partnership with Germany.

Importance of Environment Day 2020

This day is important for improving the environment in which the whole world finds a way to solve the challenges standing in the way. World Environment Day is the world's largest annual event organized by the United Nations to awaken environmental awareness among the people. Its main objective is to raise awareness to protect our nature and to see various environmental issues increasing day by day.

How Lockdown has Impacted Environment?

The Environment Day celebrated this year will be different from previous years. Due to the lockdown this year, a significant amount of pollution has been reduced. Till last year, where we were more concerned about environment, this year our worries are a little less because the environment has become pure. So this year's Environment Day will be different from previous years.

Positive Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Environment

1) There was lesser travelling done by people after the lockdown in many countries and even industries were closed down and not allowed to function. This led to the pollution in the air dropping remarkably, as there was a marked decline in nitrous oxide emission.

2) In this lockdown there were no boats in the water which led to clearing of water like in areas like Venice, the water became so clear that the fish could be seen and there was better water flow. There is no doubt that the lesser human footfall even the oceans are recovering and marine life is thriving.

3) Animals have been spotted moving about freely where once they would not dare to go. Even sea turtles have been spotted returning to areas they once avoided to lay their eggs, all due to the lack human interference.

4) Plants are growing better because there is cleaner air and water, and because yet again there is no human interference.

Conclusion

The state of our environment is falling day by day due to pollution and global warming. To protect the environment for a better future, we should promote environmentally friendly development in our country.