The 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held on 6th November 2022 at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. Occurrence of fatal natural disasters like never before and the latest Emission Gap Report 2022 put the UNFCCC convention in the global limelight. The convention witnessed some historic moments. Funding arrangements for the loss and damage occurring due to climate change was a key UNFCCC moment. India submitting its Long-Term Low Emissions and Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) marked another UNFCCC milestone moment.
On 15th November 2022, the world population reached 8 billion people. Baby Vinice Mabansag from Manila symbolizes that population milestone—being the 8 billionth person in the world.
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General said: “The milestone is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity’s shared responsibility for the planet.”
This 8 billion population milestone calls for sober celebration and better thought out prospects for our collective future. Challenges lie ahead in the form of our planet’s depleting resources, climate change and related health issues that need to be addressed to provide a safe future for our coming generations.
The 2nd of December 2022 is observed as National Pollution Prevention Day in India. India is one of the countries facing serious air, water and soil pollution. Every year, 5th December is celebrated as World Soil Day. Soil is a vital component that helps to sustain all the living organisms. Sadly, over the years, soil nutrient loss is a major issue affecting food security and sustainability. This year’s campaign “Soils: Where Food Begins”aims to create awareness about the importance of soil and the need to address soil challenges.
Mountains are vital for the environment, climate and economy. They provide home, fresh water, food crops and sustain forest and biodiversity. We celebrate International Mountain Day on 11th December, recognising the importance of preserving mountains. This year “Women Move Mountains” is the theme of the year, acknowledging the central role of women in the mountains.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India celebrates National Energy Conservation on December 14, 2022. The day is observed to create awareness on the importance of energy conservation. The government has announced ambitious plans for renewable energy, e-mobility, ethanol blended fuels, and green hydrogen as an alternate energy source.
Montreal is hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Deciding the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is one of the main objectives of the convention. This convention is aimed to set “new goals for nature.”
The summit starts on the 5th December 2022 and ends on 17th December 2022.
In the year 2022, we have witnessed war, calamities and crises. Yet, we have stories of hope. Stories that say, together we can do wonders. Healing of the earth’s ozone layer is one such feat that all of humanity can take deep pride in. Again, reaching an eight billion population is an achievement built on advances in medicine, public health, nutrition and hygiene, while considering our shared responsibility for the planet.
In December 2022, our countdown to the new year 2023 begins. With it, let’s mark the new year 2023 for the green recovery of the environment around us, and our home Earth.
Featured photo courtesy: Photo by Sagui Andrea via Pexels
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