World Environment Day – 5 June 

If the Earth Could Speak: In Solidarity with the Environment

PsySSA Decolonising Psychology Division

On the 5th of June each year, since the early 1970s, the world celebrates World Environment Day. This year’s theme is Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. But what does it mean for the world to observe this day, especially at such unprecedented times when we continue to bear witness to environmental destruction and the social suffering of individuals and communities in different parts of the world?

For many, World Environment Day serves as a flagship moment to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the environment and to raise awareness of various perilous environmental issues, such as land degradation, desertification, water insecurity, drought, global warming, pollution, overpopulation, and sustainable development. Given the global crises of recent times, such as the devastating wildfires in Australia, California and the Amazon, the unprecedented melting of polar ice caps, the severe droughts and water crises affecting regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health and economies, the escalating climate- and war-induced migration and displacement, as well as the significant environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity in Gaza due to the current genocide, this year’s World Environment Day is also a pressing reminder for the world to reflect more critically on what it means to co-exist with the environment and to act to address the intersecting and escalating challenges related to environmental justice, social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

On this day, all eyes should be on the ongoing suffering and widespread destruction of the environment, alongside human life, in places like Palestine, Congo, Sudan, as well as other regions worldwide that continue to experience severe environmental degradation as a result of human actions often directly related to colonisation, imperialism and capitalism. The reminder on this World Environment Day is then for us all, in our individual and collective endeavours for social liberation, to support the protection and sustainability of the environment.

The environment is a source of life for all that lives; being one with it is fundamental to our existence. As such, there is an imperative need for a comprehensive and holistic strategy that integrates environmental health with human well-being, acknowledging that human suffering and environmental degradation are deeply intertwined. By nurturing the environment and fostering a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable connection with our planet, not only do we honour World Environment Day but we also pave the way for a more liberated and harmonious world.

Moreover, this pivotal moment in our planetary epoch urges us to reassess our individual and collective impact on the environment and Earth, and to adopt more sustainable practices. This period, which is referred to as the Anthropocene, underscores human influence as a primary force shaping the planet’s future (see Oladejo et al., 2024). This era demands a critical shift in our behaviour, placing ecological well-being at the forefront. Thus, observing World Environment Day offers us a platform to collectively raise and unite our voices in calling for immediate and continuing transformative actions aimed at healing and safeguarding our environment and planet, ensuring its vitality for future generations.

Here are some proactive steps we can take to contribute to environmental protection. By incorporating these actions into our lives, we can collectively contribute to a healthier, more just, and more sustainable planet for current and future generations.

• Engage in initiatives advocating for the sustainability of natural environments.
• Support policies that safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and communities.
• Raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
• Stand in solidarity with communities facing threats to their lands, habitats, and livelihoods, particularly those affected by environmental and social injustice.
• Recycle waste materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and more.
• Plant a tree that is indigenous to your environment.
• Support renewable energy initiatives and transition to cleaner energy sources.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by minimising energy consumption and adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life.
• Practice sustainable agriculture and support local farmers who prioritise environmentally friendly farming methods.
• Advocate for sustainable transportation options such as public transportation, biking, or carpooling.
• Get involved in community clean-up efforts to help preserve natural habitats and reduce pollution.
• Educate yourself and others about the importance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

 References

Oladejo, A. O., Malherbe, N., & van Niekerk, A. (2024). Climate justice, capitalism, and the political role of the psychological professions. Review of General Psychology, 28(1), 3–16.