Embracing Change: A Flexible Guide to Celebrating World Environment Day | The Express Tribune

Every year on June 5, people around the world celebrate World Environment Day. It’s an important reminder that we need to protect our environment. If we don’t, we might face serious consequences like rising healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and increased poverty.

Often, campaigns by governments and NGOs focus on big events, while grassroots efforts can be limited. Wealthier groups tend to spend more on their initiatives, pushing their message further but sometimes missing those who need it most. Excitingly, social engagement on this day has grown nearly tenfold in the last twenty years, reviving the spirit of the original commitment to the environment from the 1970s.

When the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched World Environment Day, climate change was just starting to gain attention. Back then, many areas in the Global South didn’t experience the extreme temperatures we see today. In places like southern South Asia, cities now often see summer temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. This means many awareness activities happen indoors, as those without air conditioning struggle with the heat. Meanwhile, those who can afford cooler venues often celebrate in comfort.

In hot climates, tree planting—which could be a great way to raise awareness—faces challenges. The heat makes it difficult, especially as summer isn’t the best time for planting trees. Instead, monsoon season is more suitable. Because of this, many groups focus on indoor events like seminars and workshops, which often prioritize formalities over impactful discussions.

Additionally, in Pakistan, World Environment Day coincides with the start of summer vacation on June 1. This timing makes it hard to engage students, who are key to these activities. Without eager participants, organizations often resort to nominating government or corporate employees, leading to less genuine interest and lower impact.

The challenge lies beyond just student engagement. Both the government and civil society usually organize events without considering the intense summer heat. While some can travel comfortably, many must endure long commutes under the sun. Often, the main goal becomes showing commitment rather than focusing on effective environmental action.

Pakistan has marked World Environment Day since the late 1980s, but the timing for the country’s climate has rarely been questioned. The focus tends to be on mimicking Western practices instead of considering local conditions. NGOs have occasionally suggested creating a National Environmental Day to align with Pakistan’s weather and school calendar, but these ideas haven’t gained traction.

The environmental sector in Pakistan is small and often operates independently, lacking coordinated efforts with the government. Sometimes, the government seems more focused on meeting external expectations than creating innovative environmental solutions. According to a recent report from the World Bank, around 60% of Pakistan’s population is vulnerable to climate change, making effective action even more critical.

In this context, UNEP could play a pivotal role. Bringing attention to how countries can adapt World Environment Day to their circumstances could lead to more meaningful observances. The aim is not just to show unity but to boost environmental awareness globally. Particularly in the Global South, where many communities are still grappling with the lessons of climate action, a flexible approach could yield better results.

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