World Environment Day 2021

5 June 2021

As Singapore announced its Green Plan 2030 earlier this year, it is apparent that the environment is a top priority on our agenda for the years to come.

This year’s theme – “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore” – highlights the role our generation plays and the responsibility we need to take in tackling climatic issues. It is undeniable that extensive damage has been done to our air, forests, and rivers. Unfortunately, we do not have a time machine to return to the past. We cannot stop the Industrial Revolutions from happening. Neither can we bring back the organisms that have become extinct from poaching, loss of living habitat and climate change. However we can change the way we treat our environment today. 

Did you know that…

a garbage truck of clothes is burnt or tossed into a landfill EVERY SECOND?

we are producing over 380 MILLION TONS of plastic every year and 50% of that is for single-use purposes?

if food loss were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, only behind China and the US?

There is little need for us to trace the footprints of history to find the causes of climate change as our daily activities even today contribute largely to the destruction that we witness. Although what is done cannot be undone, it is utterly vital for us to be forward-looking. We cannot deny that we mankind have made so many irreversible mistakes, but we must also acknowledge that there are so many measures that we can take now.

The goal of World Environment Day is to create awareness of the grievous state that our environment is in and promote concrete actions that can be taken to protect the Earth and other species. Therefore, let today be a stark reminder for all of us that sustainable development is the way forward.

Question your routine and its impacts on the environment. Are you purchasing fast fashion? Are you using single-use plastic on a daily basis? Are you wasting food, water or energy? Be more aware of your habits and take small steps to minimise the harmful effects that your lifestyle has on the environment. 

Let us all do our part to protect our beautiful Earth. Join #GenerationRestoration

Dang Thao Hien

Student Member

United Nations 

Association of Singapore