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..Press
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UNESCAP News Services
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Date 2
June 2005
Press Release No: L/20/2005
THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL
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MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
5 June 2005
The theme for this year’s observance of
World Environment Day, “Green Cities: Plan for the Planet!”,
highlights the challenges raised by one of the major trends
of our times: the rapidly increasing proportion of people who
are living in urban environments.
In the next quarter-century, almost all population
growth will occur in cities, most of it in less developed countries.
By 2030, more than 60 per cent of the world’s population
will live in urban areas. Such rapid urbanization presents profound
challenges, from poverty and unemployment to crime and drug
addiction. Already, one of every three urban dwellers lives
in a slum. And in too many of the world’s expanding towns
and cities, environmental safeguards are few and planning is
haphazard.
Indeed, the environmental consequences of urban
growth are considerable. Cities are prolific users of natural
resources and generators of waste. They produce most of the
greenhouse gases that are causing global climate change. They
often degrade local water quality, deplete aquifers, pollute
the marine environment, foul the air and consume the land, thereby
devastating biological diversity.
The rising concentration of humanity in cities
and towns means the world will not achieve the Millennium Development
Goals unless environmental planning is incorporated into all
aspects of urban management. Creating environmentally friendly
cities is an admittedly big challenge, but the technologies
and expertise we need already exist. Clean transport, energy-efficient
buildings, safe sanitation and economical water use are possible
now, not just in the future, often in a manner that is affordable
for all.
On this World Environment Day, I urge individuals,
businesses, and local and national governments to take up the
urban environmental challenge. Let us tap the great knowledge
and natural dynamism of urban areas. And let us create “green
cities” where people can raise their children and pursue
their dreams in a well-planned, clean and healthy environment.
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