World Environment Day is June 5th 2009

World Environment Day 2009, an international event celebrated every June 5th and sponsored by the United Nations Environment Program was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972. The goal of the annual World Environment Day, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), is to offer the UN a mechanism by which it can spread awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship throughout the globe.

For those looking for a place to celebrate the World Environment Day 2009 in North America, you have two choices. First, consider a trip to Omaha, Nebraska, which is to be North America's representative city this year. According to the UN News Centre, UNEP's Regional Office for North America (RONA), will help the city create activities for the big day as well as a series of related events beginning with Earth Day (April 22, 2009).

While Omaha may be the regional center representing North American for this year's World Environment Day, Mexico City will be the global host. Toting “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change," the United Nations Environment Program's initiative is centralized around a plan to solidify an agreement between nations that will extend the Kyoto Protocol, possibly adding substantial provisions as well.

According to news sources, Mexico is also a leader in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign, a program with a directive to plant trees in an attempt to stave off global deforestation. UNEP reports that Mexico, a country which contributes to roughly 1.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, is looking at initiatives to help reduce its overall carbon emissions and is especially focusing on the reduction of its agricultural methane and animal waste output.

Mexico's initiatives represent a segment of UNEP's focus, as well. The creation of incentives and a mindset to think globally as well as locally, appears to be a large part of what UNEP is about. With its focus on the world, it is perhaps befitting they would select a single day to celebrate the world and a pitch to make it a cleaner and healthier world for all to enjoy.