World Environment Day 2014- Importance and Significance

World Environment Day 2014Small Islands. Developing States.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 on the day that United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973. Since then it is hosted every year by a different city with a different theme.

History

The significance of World Environment DayWorld Environment Day (WED) is observed on June 5 every year to promote awareness on the importance of preserving our biodiversity, the need to identify problems related to the environment and ways to take corrective action. 

World Environment Day, also popularly known as Environment Day, is a means to tackle environmental challenges that include climate change, global warming, disasters and conflicts, harmful substances, environmental governance, ecosystem management and resource efficiency. 

India hosts WED. 2011.

India was selected as the host of World Environment Day 2011 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Environment Day 2011 slogan was 'Forest: Nature at your service'. Forests cover 1/3 of the earth's land mass and play a key role in our battle against climate change, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide – this is what the theme aims to reinforce.

‘Forest: Nature at your service'

Host country.

WED 2014 is being celebrated in c, a small Caribbean island leading the way in solar energy. As one of the smallest independent states in the world, Barbados faces many challenges like climate-induced sea level rise and  vulnerability to natural disasters.  The country is steadfastly overcoming these challenges through its work in transitioning to a green economy. In celebrating WED this year, the country’s goal is “to be heard loudly and clearly, maintaining the place of Barbados firmly in the mainstream of the discourse and action on the future of Small Island Developing States,” according to Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart.

Barbados

Effects of Climate Change on Small

Islands

Effects of Climate Change on Small Islands. Climate Change has a huge, mostly adverse effect on climate. These effects are usually maximised when it comes to small islands. Small islands are especially vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Impact on Water Resources Climate change will likely affect the availability of water on some islands, particularly on small islands and atolls. Ground and surface waters on many small islands are recharged by rainfall. Some islands are projected to experience decreases in precipitation, while others may see increases. In the Caribbean, where rainfall is projected to decrease, water supplies are likely to be reduced. 

Impacts on Ecosystems Islands are home to unique ecosystems and species that provide economic opportunities, safety, nourishment, and cultural value to island communities. Changes in sea level, temperature, and the acidity of coastal waters could threaten the stability and functioning of these ecosystems. For example, coral reefs represent an important habitat for many fish and marine animals. They also provide shoreline protection, valuable fisheries, and revenue through tourism. In Hawaii, reefs are estimated to bring in $360 million each year, and are valued at more than $10 billion. In the Caribbean, coral reefs provide annual benefits of more than $3 billion .

Impact on Agriculture and Food Many island populations depend on local crops and fisheries for their survival and economic development.

In the Pacific, almost all communities derive more than 25% of their animal protein from fish. Changes in ocean temperatures could cause migratory shifts in fish species and damage to fish habitats. These impacts would exacerbate existing stresses on the fisheries, such as those from pollution and overfishing, and ultimately may lead to a decline in the abundance and health of fishery populations.

Impacts on Infrastructure, Economy, and Culture

Climate change could have far-reaching effects on island infrastructure, economic development, and local culture. Island settlements, social and leisure events, and economic activity tend to be concentrated close to the coast, making them vulnerable to climate change impacts from coastal inundation, flooding, and shoreline erosion.

Inundation, flooding, and shoreline erosion could affect critical infrastructure, such as airports, roads, ports, and hospitals. As the frequency and intensity of strong storms and flooding is projected to increase, infrastructure may need to recover faster and become more resilient to these impacts. Long-term infrastructure damage could disrupt services, including disaster risk management, health care, education, natural resource management, and economic activity in sectors such as tourism and trade.

Global warming is the primary cause of current sea level rise Human activities, such as burning coal

and oil and cutting down tropical forests, have increased atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping gases and caused the planet to warm.Rising temperatures are warming ocean waters, which expand as the temperature increases.Land ice—glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets—is shrinking at a faster rate in response to rising temperatures, adding water to the world's oceans.

Global Warming

Thank you.Done by :-Harsha AshokAbhay RanganathAnanya S RaoPranav PrabhuVarun BheemiahJatin J AAdith A DanthiAkash Maniyar