There’s a Lot to Celebrate June 3 - June 9, 2012 in Canada

Canadians celebrate Environment Week

Environment Week activities and events are carried out across the country. Check out the Community Action Board and see what other Canadian communities are doing.

Wednesday Clean Air Day

Clean Air Day is a celebration of environmentally-friendly activities that promote clean air and good health across Canada . It's a great opportunity to make environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices, and you can make your commitment to improving air quality by participating in activities organized in your community.

June 3-9, 2012 Commuter Challenge

Commuter Challenge is a national program that aims to increase the awareness of the benefits of sustainable commuting and to encourage Canadians to take action by walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling or tele-working instead of driving alone to get to work.

June 5th World Environment Day

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

June 5th Alberta Water Quality Awareness (AWQA) Day

Alberta Water Quality Awareness (AWQA) Day, always celebrated June 5, is a province-wide program focused on increasing people's awareness and understanding of water quality and watershed health, through hands-on water quality testing.+

 

2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All

More than three billion people in developing countries rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. One and a half billion people are without electricity and even when energy services are available, millions of poor people are unable to pay for them. There is an inextricable link between energy and sustainable development and modern, cleaner and more efficient energy is relevant in the eradication of poverty. Access to modern affordable energy services in developing countries is essential for achieving sustainable development, which would help to reduce poverty and to improve the conditions and standard of living for the majority of the world’s population.

One Simple Act Commit to One Simple Act and do your part to reduce waste, conserve water and reduce energy consumption.

 

Did you Know?
Environment Week has been celebrated in Alberta since 1972, which is the year the Government of Canada signed the UN Declaration of World Environment Day, June 5.

History of Environment Week in Canada
The idea for Environment Week emerged in 1970, when former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker (PM from 1957-1963) noted the “tremendous energy, enthusiasm and initiative” of young people concerned about pollution. Diefenbaker approached the House of Commons with the concept of setting one week a year aside to focus on environmental issues. Later that same year, Tom Goode, a Member of Parliament from British Columbia, pursued Diefenbaker’s idea by introducing a bill to designate a “Canadian National Pollution Awareness Week”. The bill was passed by the House based on considerable support from the public and all political parties. Royal Assent was given in March 1971. To draw attention to all aspects of a healthy environment, the name “Canadian National Environment Week” was chosen.
Source: Environment Canada