World Environment Day 2024 is on Wednesday, 5 June. This year, the theme is land restoration, desertification and drought resilience (#GenerationRestoration).
The United Nations has published a practical guide on how you can get involved in restoration activities in your daily life and local environment.
We've also compiled a list of related initiatives to explore at UQ.
#GenerationRestoration at UQ
Here are five things you can do at UQ or at home to join in the World Environment Day #GenerationRestoration theme this year (adapted from the WED guide):
- Support agricultural reform by becoming informed about sustainable food choices. UQ has a range of sustainable food initiatives on campus. Or, you can browse our DIY sustainability series for ideas on growing your own edibles, eating veg or vegan food, and reducing food waste with a pantry audit. You might also like to check out the seasonal food tips in our feature on winter sustainable living.
- Protect freshwater and marine ecosystems by understanding how you may be impacting these environments. Read our story: 7 ways to protect our oceans in everyday life. We also support our campus communities to reduce, reuse and recycle via our waste minimisation initiatives. And it's worth understanding how smart design can help achieve water sensitive cities that both preserve and protect this precious natural resource.
- Use your own water wisely. Your local council or water body may provide a list or spreadsheet to help you conduct a home water audit. They may also publish tips on more efficient household water consumption. Check out our tips on water conservation. UQ also runs numerous water conservation projects.
- Plant more trees in your own backyard and local environment. UQ community gardens offer a friendly opportunity to plant and to learn, with regular workshops and working bees. You may also like to read our story on helping to restore ecosystems in backyards, towns and cities.
- Save the bees. Or, help them to save us, as this year's #GenerationRestoration theme suggests. Nurturing native bee colonies can be a fantastic way to do this, and fortunately UQ has a number of passionate researchers and specialist projects. We have also hosted numerous community garden workshops over the years that teach people how to create bee hotels or encourage bees into their environment. Keep an eye on our events calendar.
Learn more about land degradation
Did you know that more than 2 billion hectares of land are degraded globally? That's an area nearly the size of India and the Russian Federation combined. And, every year, an estimated 12 million more hectares of land are lost to degradation, impacting food and water supplies around the world.
The World Environment Day website provides more information on some of the key challenges the world faces from land degradation.
About World Environment Day
Held every year on 5 June, World Environment Day brings together people and countries around the world to take action and raise awareness on looking after our natural environment.
Created by the United Nations in 1972, the day has been observed regularly since that point and annually since 2000, when the World Environment Day website was launched to better bring together global celebrations and efforts.
Each year a theme is selected, and governments, community groups, corporations, schools, charities and individuals around the world organise activities and initiatives in support of that theme.
>> Learn more about the history of World Environment Day
>> See some of this year's projects and ideas from around the world
Where to next?
- How you can help restore ecosystems
- Community stewardship in your local environment
- Get involved in UQ community gardens