June 5, 2012 is World Environment Day! This is the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) event aimed at being the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. World Environment Day activities take place all year round but culminate on 5 June every year, involving everyone from everywhere. That means you!

The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is “Green Economy: Does it include you?” According to the UNEP website, a Green Economy is “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.” How does that translate to the individual (the “you” in the theme)? “If the Green Economy is about social equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about you! The question therefore asks you to find out more about the Green Economy and assess whether, in your country, you are being included in it.”

People around the world will be celebrating World Environment Day. Find out more about these celebrations here! For more information, posters and other material, click here.

How will you celebrate World Environment Day?