World Environmental Health Day

• 27 Sep 2022

Why in News?

World Environmental Health Day 2022 is observed annually on September 26 to spread awareness globally regarding the health of the environment.

• The central idea behind celebrating this day is that the health of the human race is irrevocably intertwined with the health of the environment.

What are the Key Highlights of World Environmental Health Day?

• History:
  • The day was first observed by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) in the year 2011. The main aim is the well-being of people across the globe.
    • The IFEH is wholly dedicated to the development and dissemination of knowledge on the protection and subsequent improvement of environmental health.
• Theme:
  • The theme for this year is ‘Strengthening Environmental Health Systems for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.’
• Significance:
  • It is necessary that the world understands there is an integral connection between the environment, health and the economy. It is therefore important to invest in healthy and green recovery, close to all communities.
  • It becomes all the more important for the human race to pay attention to the environment and try to create balance.
  • The World Health Organization launched the "Manifesto for a healthy recovery of COVID-19”, with the objective of taking advantage of the momentum that we are facing worldwide.
  • Environmental Health plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the SDGs. It is interesting to note that Environmental Health fits into 7 SDGs, 19 targets and 30 indicators of the SDGs.

What do we Know about India’s Environmental Health?

• Present status:
  • India was ranked at the bottom of the list of 180 countries with a paltry score of 18.9 on the Environmental Performance Index 2022.
    • India ranked behind Myanmar at 179, Vietnam (178), Bangladesh (177) and Pakistan (176).
• Related Initiatives:
  • Nagar Vana Udyan Scheme: This scheme aims to develop at least one city forest in each city having Municipal Corporation or Class 1 Cities (over 200) to accommodate a wholesome healthy environment.
  • National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): The initiative was launched to conserve and make use of wetlands in the country.
  • Green Skill Development Programme :The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate launched the Green Skill Development Programme in June 2017 to teach skills required for conserving and protecting the environment among the youth.
  • Save Soil Movement: On World Environment Day 2022, the Prime Minister launched the 'Save Soil Movement'. The initiative focuses on five things making the soil chemical-free, saving organisms that live in the soil, maintaining soil moisture, increasing the availability of water, and stopping the continuous erosion of soil due to the reduction of forests.
  • India has set a goal of making 26 million hectares of barren land fertile by 2030 and aims to be Net-Zero in emissions by 2070.

Source: DTE