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Recognizing June 5, 2017, as World Environment Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Since its beginning in 1974, World Environment Day has developed into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action on urgent environmental issues, such as marine pollution, global warming, sustainable consumption, and wildlife crime. Millions of people have volunteered over the years to help drive change in our consumption habits as well as in national and international environmental policy; and
WHEREAS, World Environment Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, on the first day of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, where the discussion focused on the integration of human interactions and the environment; and
WHEREAS, World Environment Day is the biggest, most globally celebrated day for positive environmental action. This day enables everyone to realize not only the responsibility to care for the Earth, but also reminds us that individuals possess to the power to bring about real sustainable change; and
WHEREAS, World Environment Day engages millions of people across the globe through events in over 70 countries. Every year, participants organize clean up campaigns, art exhibits, tree-planting drives, concerts, dance recitals, recycling drives, social media campaigns, and different contests themed around caring for the planet; and
WHEREAS, Society is currently facing tremendous global challenges affecting every community, including large-scale migration, extreme inequality and poverty, degradation of ecosystems, mass extinction of species, and global climate change; and
WHEREAS, It is necessary for the citizens of our global community to develop green jobs and to build an innovative and equitable green economy to combat the aforementioned global challenges; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia continues to strive to be a leader in environment and sustainability initiatives that will contribute to a healthier and efficient environment. The Kenney administration has made the environment and sustainability a key part in its approach in developing Philadelphia through its “Greenworks” initiative that envisions a sustainable City where all Philadelphians: will have access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food and drinking water; breathe healthy air inside and outside; efficiently use clean energy that they can afford; are prepared for climate change and reduce in carbon pollution; benefit from parks, trees, stormwater management, and healthy waterways; have access to safe, affordable, and low-carbon transportation; and benefit from sustainability education, employment, and business opportunities; and
WHEREAS, “Connecting People to Nature” is the theme for World Environment Day 2017, which implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share; and
WHEREAS, World Environment Day is a necessary and useful vehicle to expand environmental education that is vital to enhance awareness about the environment, inform decision-making, and protect future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize June 5, 2017, as World Environment Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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