Dispatch from SSC Intern Lila Holzman
President Obama’s efforts to showcase Pittsburgh’s environmental attributes seem to have paid off. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) just announced that Pittsburgh will host North America’s World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2010. Pittsburgh recently hosted the September 2009 G-20 Summit, and Obama has consistently promoted this city as a model for its green economy industries and initiatives.
WED was created by the United Nations in 1972 to promote environmental action. Related events will be held beginning with Earth Day’s 40th anniversary on April 22nd and will continue through until June 5th, during a “Bridging the Gap” period. This year’s WED theme is “Biodiversity: Connecting with Nature.” Communities throughout each of UNEP’s six global regions will be asked to share their knowledge and experience regarding environmental problem-solving.
Director Amy Fraenkel of UNEP’s Regional Office for North America (RONA) emphasizes:
We are proud and pleased to spotlight Pittsburgh’s remarkable environmental and sustainability progress, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, green jobs and workforce development, and environmental education.
Pittsburgh’s Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is committed to the cause and plans to remain active in the process:
In the next several months, I will be reaching out and urging local government agencies, businesses, organizations and individuals to get involved, create, support and/or sponsor WED activities.
Pittsburgh organizations will work together with RONA to plan events highlighting environmental developments in education, business practices, and research.
Click here for more information!