When was the World Environment Day set?

Climate change is a very real threat to our world, and we are already feeling many impacts across the planet. The Riviera Maya, for instance, with the recent super blooms of sargassum.  That is why it is important to continue to develop awareness and do what we can to overcome this issue. Therefore, consider celebrating World Environment Day on June 5 to #BeatAirPollution!

To encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment, the United Nations set the World Environment Day! It began in 1974, and since then has become a global phenomenon that over 100 countries celebrate. Including Canada, the US, and Mexico.

Every year the day focuses on a different theme, and for 2019 this is “Air pollution”. Air pollution and its effect on our lives vary depending on several factors; For example: where you live, the energy you use for cooking and heating, or even the time of day or the weather. Since air pollution travels through the air, and sometimes it even travels across continents based on international weather patterns.

This is why nobody is safe from pollution, and five main human sources are the main cause of it:

Industry

Power generation is the leading source of pollution in many countries across the globe. This is mainly due to coal-burning power plants and diesel generators. Not to mention the use of chemicals in a variety of industries.
The national government must address these challenges. At the moment 82 of 193 countries have created incentives to promote investment in more environmentally-friendly practices and technology.

Transport

This sector accounts for nearly 25% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and nearly 400,000 premature deaths have a link to it. That is why it is important to reduce vehicle emissions through the use of cleaner fuels, and transition to electric vehicles.

Agriculture

Agriculture contributes to around 24% of all greenhouse gasses. Livestock, rice paddies and the burning of agricultural waste are the main sources of methane. Thus, these emissions are allegedly the cause of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. In order to address this, we can implement a movement towards plant-based diets, a reduction of food waste, and modernized farming.

Waste

It is estimated that globally, up to 40% of waste is openly burned which releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, like dioxins, furans, methane and fine particulate matter such as black carbon.
Open burning is practiced in 166 out of 193 countries, which means there is a huge opportunity to address this issue through global cooperation.

Humanity has contributed in a highly oversized way to the collection of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. However, there are some naturally occurring events that can cause air pollution such as volcanic eruptions and dust storms.
That is why it is important for us to address the factors within our control to ensure that our planet can handle the rest.

Consider some ways in which you may make a difference in your own life, by reducing plastic waste, encouraging new environmental policy, and building our homes with sustainability in mind.

Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate … we make it happen!