Today is World Environment Day (WED), one of the principle ways in which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

This year’s theme is Green Economy: Does it include You? Basically, what the UN means by Green Economy are the overall efforts of nations to reduce carbon emission and pollution, to enhance energy and resource efficiency, and to prevent the loss of biodiversity. According to the UN Environment Program, Green Economy both significantly lowers environmental risks and improves human well-being and social equity. This years theme, therefore, aims to encourage people to find out more about Green Technology and about the various different ways in which they are already included, and the ways in which they can participate further. The official WED website is pledging people to “help break the record for the greatest number of activities registered in WED’s four decade history.”

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Today is the 9th anniversary of World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The day was established by ILO (International Labour Organisation) in order to promote good, safe working conditions and basic rights every work place.

This year’s theme for the day is Health and Safety in a Green Economy. Generalized advertising and public fear of global warming had led to a common perception that anything ‘green’ must be thoroughly good. The International Labour Organisation website corrects this and explains the theme choice by saying, “Even if certain jobs are considered to be “green”, the technologies used may protect the environment but not be safe at all.” In addition, “A true green job must integrate safety and health into design, procurement, operations, maintenance, sourcing and recycling policies, certification systems and OSH quality standards.”

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