The underlying feeling of having violated mother earth and her bountiful blessings amidst an economic slowdown and the Coronavirus crisis, saw several leaders and companies reiterate environmental commitments on World Environment Day (5 June). In India, United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) new campaign highlighed the declining population of endangered species: Snow Leopard, Gangetic River Dolphin and the Great Indian Bustard. It took the lead in drawing attention to the core issue of preserving biodiversity. The agency in its message made a very subtle plea: “Let’s see more of them.”
The day began with an early tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the gravity of the task: “On #WorldEnvironmentDay, we reiterate our pledge to preserve our planet’s rich biodiversity. Let us collectively do whatever possible to ensure the flora and fauna with whom we share the Earth thrive. May we leave an even better planet for the coming generations.”
At the United Nations, the theme was ‘celebrate biodiversity’ as explained by UN Secretary-General António Guterres tweet: “To care for humanity, we must care for nature. As we work to build back better, let’s put nature where it belongs - at the heart of our decision making. On #WorldEnvironmentDay and every day, it’s time #ForNature."