New Zealand to Host World Environment Day
02 Oct 2007
It was one of the first countries to pledge a carbon-neutral future and it has just been chosen to host World Environment Day 2008.
New Zealand will host the conference which will focus on solutions and opportunities for countries, companies and communities to 'kick the habit' and de-carbonize economies and life-styles.
In making the announcement UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner said, "New Zealand is among a handful of countries committed to accelerating a transition to a low carbon and carbon-neutral economy".
Measures to achieve the carbon-neutral goal include greater energy efficiency in buildings and appliances, and the focus will also be put on the role of forests in countering rises in greenhouse gases.
An estimated 20 per cent of emissions contributing to climate change globally are a result of deforestation.
New Zealand, where forestry is an important industry and conservation of forests is a high priority, plans to use World Environment Day to highlight the role technologies and forestry management can play in achieving domestic and international climate goals.
World Environment Day was first established in 1972 and is held on June 5 each year in a different location.
The main World Environment Day 2008 celebrations will be held in the country's capital city Wellington and in communities around the country.
UNEP Spokesperson, Nick Nuttall : email: nick.nuttall@unep.org
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