World Environment Day 2020
Today, on the World Environment Day, we want to highlight that the health of the planet directly affects human health. By protecting our planet and its biodiversity, we protect ourselves because we are all a part of it. Even while we battle COVID-19, we must not forget the critical impacts of environmental change, and make sure our recovery keeps focus on climate change and biodiversity.
The official hashtag for World Environment Day is #WorldEnvironmentDay.
IOM Director General António Vitorino's speech
"People have always moved due to the environment,
And they will continue to do so in the future.
Environmental migration is a present reality.
Disasters displace millions every year,
And climate change already affects migration patterns around the world.
Even when societies are slowed down by COVID-19,
nothing stops cyclones and floods,
the climate continues to change,
the environment keeps degrading,
and many people are still forced out of their homes.
Others, on the contrary, are trapped in environmentally fragile regions.
or cannot resort to usual seasonal agriculture activities.
On World Environment Day,
I join the voices of UN leaders
calling to protect our biodiversity
and to take climate action.
Even while we battle this global pandemic,
we must not forget the critical impacts of environmental change,
and make sure our recovery keeps focus on climate change and biodiversity.
Let’s take action now for people and for nature!"
Watch the speech here.
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More interesting content related to World Environment Day:
IOM blog: Rethinking Migration Management in a Changing Climate
IOM Environmental Migration Portal
Protect the environment, prevent pandemics, 'nature is sending us a clear message' - Article on UN News site