“In celebrating WED in Brazil in 2012, we are returning to the roots of contemporary sustainable development in order to forge a new path that reflects the realities but also the opportunities of a new century,” according to UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner. According to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), in recent years Brazil has taken significant steps to tackle issues such as deforestation in the Amazon which has led to one of the biggest greenhouse gas emissions in the world, and it is also at the forefront of building an economy that includes recycling and renewable energy and the generation of green jobs, making it a fitting host for WED. Brazil is also hosting at same time Rio+20 Summit on sustainable development, a most appropriate complement to efforts related to WED. Read – “You Affecting Outcome of Rio+20” -http://diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/you-affecting-outcome-of-rio20/44259 WED celebrations in Brazil will be part of thousands of events taking place around the world. Activities will range from marathons, to community clean-ups, car-free days, green blogging competitions, exhibits, green petitions, and nationwide green campaigns, among others. This year’s theme – Green Economy: Does it include you? – is as an invitation for individuals to assess where the green economy fits in their daily lives and to evaluate how it can deliver economic and environmental outcomes for a sustainable future in a planet of seven billion people. Also Read from UNEP – “2012 Environment Opportunities/Challenges” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/2012-environment-challengesopportunities/45521 “The contemporary direction of sustainable development was born in Brazil – in many ways its future health, maturity and ability to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a markedly different world will be forged in Brazil in four months’ time,” said Mr. Steiner, referring to the UN Sustainable Development Conference (Rio+20) which will also be hosted in the South American country just a few weeks after WED. “The history of Brazil, the complexion of its diverse and dynamic economy with its natural and nature-based resources allied to its industries and its current and future role in international relations, offer a lens and a unique perspective through which a broad-based, transformational outcome is possible at Rio+20,” he added. Great Link at UNEP to World Environment Day - www.unep.org/WED/ By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey – Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX Ecology-Diplomat Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat