Message on World Environment Day

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General

Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

Khardiata Lo N’diaye

This year, World Environment Day is significant: it marks 50 years since the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment took place in 1972 in Stockholm.

It also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Environment Programme. After 50 years, “Only One Earth” remains the same theme for today’s World Environment celebrations, as we are threatened by a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and waste, nature and biodiversity loss.

Here in Sudan, average temperatures are projected to increase by up to 3°C by 2050, and rainfall is projected to decrease by 4 per cent per decade, meaning Sudan will experience increased frequency of both droughts and floods.

This will have a significant impact on the sustainable development and economic growth of this country, with women and girls disproportionately affected.

Addressing the climate emergency is a global challenge that requires global and local solutions.

On this World Environment Day, let’s recognize the power of collective action in making the transformational change our planet needs to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse.

There is “Only One Earth”, so let’s work together to protect it.

Time is running out.