World Environment Day is only 2 weeks away. As the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) draws ever closer (June 20-22), the need to press our international decision makers to take decisive steps to ensure sustainable development, safeguard the environment and to promote equitable use of resources has never been more important.

World Environment Day is an annual event aimed at
being the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive
environmental action. World Environment Day activities take place all year round but climax on 5 June every year, involving everyone from everywhere.

This year’s theme reflects the focus of the Rio+20 discussions: "Green Economy:  Does it include you?" For Soroptimists, the answer has to be YES. The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that
"results in improved human well-being and social equity, while
significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities". The idea of a green economy captures
the concept of an economy that is low carbon, resource efficient and socially
inclusive – all critical to the well being of women and girls around the world who are often amongst the most vulnerable groups affected by environmental degradation, climate change and discrimination.

Practically speaking, a Green
Economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by
public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and
pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss
of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be
catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms
and regulation changes.

But what does all this mean for you?
Well, this essentially what the second part of the theme is all about.
If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then
it is all about you! The question in this year’s theme
prompts you to find out more
about the Green Economy and assess whether, in your country, you are being
included in it. This is important, because in June 2012 global leaders will meet to decide and agree on a way forward to ensure sustainable and equitable development. Negotiations have been difficult and slow and so we need to take this opportunity to remind leaders why it is so critical that we unite to take action to safeguard the future of the planet.

The global World Environment Day host country for 2012 is Brazil, where 20 years ago, for the first time,
the largest number of global leaders assembled together to decide on a
sustainable future.

The time to meet again is only 1 month away. 
Soroptimists will be attending the Rio+20 meeting in June, but we need your support in order to ensure that civil society speaks with a voice loud enough to be heard by the decision makers. World Environment Day  provides a platform for you to join in these discussions and, together
with the collective power of other individuals around the world, make
every positive action you take for the environment count.

Here are some ideas from Soroptimist club actions reported over the past year:

Beach Clean

Clubs in Wales South, SIGBI, joined together with the Marine Conservation Society to take part in a beach clean (PFR 25103). In addition to clearing a popular stretch of coast, the information gathering regarding types of waste was submitted to the Environment Agency as part of a national survey on coastal pollution.

Disaster Risk Reduction

In the Philippines, SI Guagua have undertaken an extensive disaster risk reduction education programme focussing on natural disasters – including earthquakes, floods and fires (PFR 25084).

Carbon Footprint Awareness

SI Downpatrick and District in Northern Ireland raised awareness of climate change and the importance of being aware of your personal carbon footprint (PFR 24892). After discussing the issue with an environmental consultant, the club designed and produced a leaflet to give to local schools, libraries and households. As a club and as a region, simple measures have been adopted to reduce the carbon footprint of Soroptimist International in their local area. 

Earth Hour

Soroptimists all over the world took part in Earth Hour 2012 (PFR 25108), switching off their lights at the designated time. Perhaps you could do something similar on June 5th?  

Join us in celebrating World
Environment Day on Jund 5th.  Every year. Everywhere. Everyone.

Learn more
from the World Environment Day website.

Download the World Environment Day logo, t-shirt, paper cup and water
bottle designs to include in your promotional materials.