Celebrating World Environment Day
26 May 2008
New Zealand's clean green image undergoes its most important exposure yet as the country plays host to the 2008 World Environment Day.
All eyes will be on New Zealand's capital city, Wellington on June 5 when world dignitaries, United National officials and environmental experts gather for what has become the world's most significant environment awareness event. World Environment Day (WED) is a United Nations initiative designed not only to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment but also enhance political attention and action. Every year since 1972 a different country has hosted the event.
The slogan for World Environment Day 2008 is 'Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy' and New Zealand was chosen as host country because of its strong commitment towards a low carbon and carbon-neutral economy. This year's WED theme also includes the role of forest conservation and sustainable forestry in achieving domestic and global climate change.
Although Wellington is nominated host city, the event will be marked throughout the country with a wide range of community-based, regional activities. Every New Zealander is being asked to make a personal contribution to World Environment Day by leaving their vehicle at home, cycling or taking the bus to work, reducing their rubbish and waste and using less electricity and water.
Key events
New Zealand and the United Nations Environment Programme have worked in conjunction to organise three major international events which include:
• an Art for the Environment Exhibition with works from 27 renowned artists representing 20 countries. 'Moving Towards a Balanced Earth: Kick the Carbon Habit' opens at Te Papa, Wellington on 5 June 2008 and runs until January 1, 2009. Through photographs, paintings, sculpture, video and installations, the artists find new ways to articulate the Earth in balance, and explore new visions and choices for a sustainable world.
• a photographic exhibition with 28 photographs and posters from the UNEP Focus on Your World International Photographic Competition on the Environment. At Waitangi Park Wellington from May 30 to June 13.
• an international children's painting competition also at Te Papa from June 6 - August 31. The '17th International Children's Painting Competition on the Environment" solicited 15,500 entries from children worldwide.
As well as these international events environmentally focussed organisations throughout New Zealand are running a programme of national and regional activities including:
The Green Ribbon Awards, June 3 at the Wellington Town Hall, hosted by the Ministry for the Environment to acknowledge the outstanding contribution New Zealanders are making to sustaining, protecting and enhancing our environment.
A Leadership in Climate Change Solutions symposium organised by the Hillary Institute in Christchurch, on June 5 to launch its climate change programme.
A Business Breakfast organised by the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Auckland on June 4. The topic is 'The challenges and opportunities for business presented by climate change'. This is followed by a business symposium presented by the Victoria University of Wellington Institute of Policy Studies and the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute.
The first annual Hillary Symposium (Christchurch), officially launching their theme for the next four years - Climate Change. Dr. Rajenda Pachauri, Chair of the Nobel- winning Inter governmental Panel on Climate Change, will lead the symposium.
Lunchtime Talk: How do we Decarbonise the World? A panel discussion hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies and Climate Change Research Institute, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington. Speakers at the discussion will include Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP; Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chair UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; President Anote Tong of Kiribati; and Hon. David Parker, Minister for Responsible Climate Change Issues.
As well as these key events, art and photography exhibitions, poster and painting competitions, other award ceremonies, symposiums and lectures, expos, auctions, fun runs and festivals are being staged around New Zealand to mark World Environment Day.
To see a video release on World Environment Day go to the video section of this website.
For more information on World Environment Day events throughout New Zealand visit http://www.sustainability.govt.nz/wed or www.world.environment.govt.nz
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