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World Rainforest Day – 22 June

World Rainforest Day is observed on June 22 every year across the world. This day is set aside to raise awareness about rainforests and also about all the biotic species that live in them. World Rainforest Day aims to encourage people to learn more about rainforests and join efforts to protect and preserve these forests for generations to come. Rainforests have been disappearing and taking the rich diversity of flora and fauna with them because of increasing deforestation and climate change. World Rainforest Day was instituted to halt this disappearance by reminding people of the importance of rainforests.

HISTORY OF WORLD RAINFOREST DAY

World Rainforest Day is observed throughout the world and aims to educate people about the importance of rainforests — why they are important and the diversity of life that lives in them. By educating people, World Rainforest Day aims to encourage more people to join the effort to protect and preserve rainforests for future generations.

Rainforests are lush forests that have a continuous tree canopy. The entire forest is heavily dependent on moisture. Rainforests do not have any forest fires. Flora, fungi, epiphytes, lianas, and trees forming a closed canopy, are found in rainforests. Many popular houseplants like the Pothos and Monstera, are native to rainforests. A majority of living organisms — birds, animals, plants, and trees — are native to rainforests. A large number of species of mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, and amphibians are found in rainforests.

Rainforests are necessary as they are an important source of freshwater for humans. Additionally, they absorb carbon dioxide and protect the earth from the effects of climate change. They are an important natural resource directly and indirectly. Apart from freshwater and the production of oxygen, several ingredients used in everyday life and manufacturing are derived from rainforests. Timber, meat, animal products, plant derivatives, and tourism are among the other benefits offered by rainforests.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaltoday.com/world-rainforest-day/

World Oceans Day – 8 June 2024

Planet Ocean: tides are changing

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

“Awaken New Depths” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024.  The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist to put the ocean first.

Did you know?

  • The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
  • The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
  • Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day

World Ocean Day – 8 June 2022

Every year on June 8, World Ocean Day is commemorated to remind people of the importance of the oceans and the major role they play in everyday life. According to the United Nations, the day intends to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the oceans and to create a united movement for the species of the ocean. Besides, the day is also observed to make raise public awareness of the ocean and its resources in order to promote global ocean and resource sustainability. The day intends to highlight the various resources that mankind derives from the ocean, as well as the various threats that the ocean faces. 

World Ocean Day: Significance

The day offers a unique opportunity to not only honour, but also to conserve and safeguard our oceans. The United Nations data suggests that the ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen and it is also termed as the « lifeline of planet Earth. » The oceans also absorb more than 30% of carbon dioxide, mitigating the effects of global warming. They also produce a wide variety of goods and services that are crucial to our health, economies, and weather. According to the UN, the ocean is key to the global economy with an estimated 40 million people expected to be employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

World Ocean Day: Theme

The theme for World Oceans Day in 2022 is « Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. » The focus of this year’s theme is on the ocean’s role in sustaining life and livelihood. Plastic garbage being dumped into the oceans is becoming a matter of great concern as it is damaging the life there and putting the ocean’s inhabitants at risk. This year on the occasion of World Ocean Day, the UN will organise the first hybrid celebration of the event, which will be broadcast live from the UN Headquarters in New York.

 

Source: Text: Republicworld.com   Image: UN