Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. That is the slogan for the United Nation’s 42nd Annual World Environment Day, a day to raise awareness of human impacts on the environment worldwide, encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, and is celebrated with festivities in over 100 countries around the world.
This year’s focus will be on management of the amount of natural resources being consumed, and how governments and individuals can alter their behaviours and practices to reduce this growing issue. Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development. By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption. The efforts of this year’s World Environment Day are to raise awareness of this disturbing trend.
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2015, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council is hosting a special workshop titled “Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef: The World’s Best Address.” During the workshop, a panel of environmental experts will meet in Brisbane and present a workshop in which members of the tourism industry can learn more about the Reef’s invaluable position as one of world’s greatest tourist attractions and its role as a significant contributor to Queensland’s community and economy. Panellists include Peter Gash, Managing Director of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort; Dr Ian Poiner, Chair, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre; John Schubert AO, Chairman, Great Barrier Reef Foundation; and Russell Butler, Bandjin traditional owner from Hinchinbrook Island. Headlining the event will be keynote speaker the Honourable Dr Steven Miles MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef.
More information can be found at https://www.qtic.com.au/events/queenslands-great-barrier-reef-worlds-best-address.
