Celebrating World Environment Day

Today — June 5 — is World Environment Day, a day when we can look back on all our green accomplishments and renew our resolve in overcoming the environmental challenges of the present and the future. This year’s theme is Ecosystem Restoration and while we have come a long way in the fight to protect the health of our planet’s ecosystems, there is still more work we must do.

Every year, 4.7 million hectares of our world’s forests are lost—an area larger than the entire country of Denmark. The world-wide destruction of lands exposes us to increased levels of air pollution and leaves wildlife habitats devastated. On a local scale, urban heat islands caused by the lack of community tree cover have drastically raised temperatures, particularly among economically disenfranchised communities. These are just a few of the many challenges our planet and all its inhabitants struggle with today, making it more apparent each day that the time to act is now.

Through encouraging others to spread awareness and take the necessary action, we can preserve the well-being of our environment and restore neglected ecosystems. Fortunately, there are many simple ways that we can take action for the environment, like introducing your household to recycling methods, reducing your carbon footprint, writing to public leaders, and of course, planting a tree. And don’t forget to get out there and enjoy the environment in which you live in today. Whether it’s hiking around on a local trail or relaxing in your backyard hammock, there’s no better way to celebrate this day than being in the great outdoors