KEY POINTS:
Tomorrow is World Environment Day. We bring you up to speed on everything you might possibly need to know.
What is it?
- First established in 1972
- Observed on June 5 every year in over 100 countries
- Enables the United Nations to raise worldwide awareness about the environment and call for action
What's happening this year?
- 2008's slogan is "Kick the habit! Towards a low carbon economy" -with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- The main international celebrations are being held in Wellington with an exhibition of environmental art at Te Papa, a business breakfast, an international photographic competition and a painting competition
- This is the first time that New Zealand has had hosting honours
- Over 100 school and community projects around the country will commemorate WED and receive government funding
- "It is meant to be a people's event celebrated with activities such as street parades, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns," says minister Trevor Mallard
What about elsewhere in NZ?
Auckland: Zoo visitors who walk, cycle or bus to the zoo on WED will be rewarded with half-price adult entry.
Hamilton: 4km fun run including planting a tree at the halfway mark.
Canterbury: Customers at petrol stations will receive tree seedlings to remind them that tree planting offsets fuel emissions.
Useful links
Events around the world
Other NZ Events
More NZ events
Photos - Wellington
Ways to kick the Co2 habit
World Environment Day in NZ
80 ways to celebrate WED
Ideas for businesses
- NZHERALD STAFF
