It’s the United Nations Environmental Programme’s (UNEP) World Environment Day (WED) today, 5 June 2012. UNEP organises this day to draw attention to the environmental problems – and solutions – of Earth today.
WED marks the run-up to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development – Rio+20 – which is happening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 20 to 22 June.
The theme for WED and Rio+20 is “Green Economy: Does it include you?” According to UNEP’s website, “A green economy is described as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In other words, we can think of a green economy as an economic environment that achieves low carbon emissions, resource efficiency and at the same time is socially inclusive.”
Green economy starts at home
Here at the Two Oceans Aquarium we strive to achieve our own little green economy. We’ve achieved Platinum status from the Heritage Environmental Management Company. Platinum status is an incredible honour, an acknowledgment of the Aquarium’s strong green ethos, carried through into various areas of its growth and operation. It is also an inspiration to other South African companies and businesses looking to follow suit.
From eco-friendly dining at Shoreline Café (sustainable seafood guaranteed) and green events to renewable energy projects and the banning of the plastic bag, we strive to walk the green talk.
UNEP has put together a fun alphabet of actions for citizens of the world, compiled to encourage you to be part of the green economy.
Here are some of our marine environment preoccupations. Have a happy, healthy, hopeful WED 2012!
Say no to plastic
Watch Two Oceans Aquarium Senior Bird Trainer Hayley McLellan speak at TEDxSeaPoint about the single-use plastic bag, it’s devastating knock-on effects and the
End overfishing
If you’re unsure of what exactly “overfishing” is, if you still doubt that it’s real, or if you think that there’s nothing you can do, then watch this fabulous short video that gives the facts to you in a seashell.
While the video focuses on European Union countries and governments, the message is clear: to end overfishing, we need a top-down commitment. Lobby your government today!
Carbon fin-print
A little-known side effect of global warming is ocean acidification. As we mentioned in an article we published last year, “Because of the increasing quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) being pushed into the Earth’s atmosphere, our oceans are slowly becoming more acidic. This newly discovered phenomenon, termed ocean acidification, has been described by experts as the evil twin of global warming and the most important scientific crisis we face today.
An increase in acidity means that many plant and animal species will struggle to build and maintain their skeletons or shells. A far more sinister effect is that this acidity can tamper with the bodily functions of all ocean creatures, interfering with growth or reproduction.”
Find out more here, and do your bit by reducing your carbon fin-print.
Be water
It’s not all bad news. There’s another side to the sea – the one we find hard to describe. The connection we feel to gorgeous shorelines, the calm that comes with crashing waves … South African free diver Hanli Prinsloo did a great job of describing this mystical and universal relationship in her talk at TEDxSeaPoint. Watch and be inspired – Hanli is what you look like when you’re living the dream
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