World Environment Day

The United Nations, recognizing that the protection and improvement of the human environment is a fundamental issue affecting the well-being of people and the economic development of the entire world, designated June 5 as “World Environment Day.” This day has gained increasing importance since its inception in 1974 and has become a platform for public outreach with broad impact across all five continents. The call to action seeks to motivate individuals and communities to take an active role in sustainable development and environmental protection.

Each year it focuses on one aspect to raise awareness about a particularly pressing environmental issue. The theme for 2023 is «No plastic pollution"Given that humanity produces 400 million tons of plastic each year, more than half of which is single-use and less than 10% is recycled, and knowing that microplastics that pollute air and water represent a threat to human health and the health of the planet."

From its origins CLACSO It promotes environmental protection and advocates for the need to develop sustainable and responsible approaches to development. This was one of the major themes of the 9th Latin American and Caribbean Conference in Mexico in June 2022, highlighted by the keynote address, "Environment, Public Goods, and Climate Change."

We also recommend two readings to reflect on pollution and think about how to build common ways of living well from the logic of sustainable development.

In a toxic environment. Motherhood after an oil spillDeborah Delgado. Vania Martínez. [Authors]

Environment, climate change and good living in Latin America and the CaribbeanResearch grant collection.