Everything you need to know about World Environment Day

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