World Environment Day, June 5, 2023: Message by the UN Resident Coordinator Micronesia

Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, a day to remember that there is only one Earth, and that we must take care of it to preserve our future. For fifty years, this day has been devoted to raising awareness on the many environmental issues.

Over 150 countries participate in this United Nations event annually.

The natural environment gives us a wealth of services that are difficult to measure in any form of currency. Natural areas help clean our air, purify our water, produce food and medicines. Natural areas also reduce chemical and noise pollution, slow floodwaters, and cool our streets.

We often ask ourselves, is it too much to ask one person to take care of the environment? Will anything I do even matter? Yes, it does! With small goals, you can help protect the Earth.

Small goals like a commitment to:

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Conserve water
• Use longer-lasting light bulbs
• Drive less and take a walk or bike instead
• Shop wisely and choose sustainable products
• Plant a tree
• Volunteer for clean-ups

Remember, every small step helps.

This year, World Environment Day would like to highlight the dangers of plastic pollution.

To help end this, my family and I are cleaning up plastic and other trash with the people of Kosrae in the ocean and at the beach today.

Please consider what you can do to help our planet and share your efforts on social media at hashtag beat plastic pollution (#BeatPlasticPollution).