“Only one Earth” is the motto of this years World Environment Day on 5th of June 2022. It’s time to heal the planet Climate change, waste and biodiversity losses are already affecting our daily life. Besides that, energy and food crisis contribute to an increase in conflicts around the world. To solve these problems, we need to reshape our economies and societies to be fair and more connected to nature.
Introduction
„Only One Earth“ was already the slogan in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference which led to the establishment of the UN Environment Program and World Environment Day. This motto was chosen to let people understand, that time is running out and we must bring nature back into balance. The World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging awareness and action to protect our environment. They are asking organizations and people to show on their social media channels their action to inspire others.
Time to act
As Earth’s climate has already risen about 1°C since pre-industrial times, around 1 million species are endangered and our air, water and land are constantly exposed to poison because of pollution. So, it is time to act.
Everyone can help everywhere to protect our planet and make our future more sustainable. In this following chapter, some of the actions that organizations and people can do, are mentioned. Governments should close the emission gap by taking strong action reducing greenhouse gas emissions by meeting the Paris Agreement. Another thing is to clean up poor air and water, for example through restricting or taxing single- use plastics or improving our waste management systems. Cities and local authorities can take climate action by building sustainable infrastructure, by creating public transit more efficient and sustainable and by collecting, separating and safely dispose of waste to protect water and land. Financial players can make a difference by aligning their business strategies with sustainability goals, including the Paris Agreement, the SDGs and the upcoming Biodiversity Framework. By setting emission reduction targets, business and industry can help to create a more sustainable planet. Non-government organizations, community organizations and faith groups have a key role on the World Environment Day to remind industries, governments, and other actors their responsibilities to create a more sustainable future.
But also, you as an individual can make our world better by living more sustainable. You can call a demonstration, encourage the government or industries to net-zero coalition and spread knowledge. Furthermore, you can make your life more sustainable by using efficient heating, insulate your home, balance your diet, share your ride, or ditch the flights.
DFGE can support you and your company to take action. We help you in becoming more sustainable and being part of the movement to restore our earth. While strictly refusing greenwashing, we provide a variety of different services. Our solutions include support in participation in several sustainability/CSR standards and rankings like CDP, UNGC, EcoVadis or GRI, as well as adapting climate friendly business activities via Science-Based Targets and a Climate Neutrality approach. If you have further questions, you can contact us via or by phone at +49 8192-99733-20.
[1] World Environment Day (2022). World Environment Day. World Environment Day. Last access: 30.05.2022
