World Environment Day: The Power of EHS&S

Falling on June 5, World Environment Day is a day to celebrate the planet and raise awareness about the need for environmental protection. It is also an opportunity for Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S) professionals to showcase their expertise, build relationships with key stakeholders, and make a positive impact on the environment. 

Why World Environment Day Matters 

World Environment Day is the largest environmental event in the world, established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 1973. The day is celebrated annually to address environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation. These challenges threaten the health of our planet and the well-being of all living things.  

World Environment Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about global environmental challenges and serves as a call to action for EHS&S professionals to take steps to protect the environment. 

Here are just some environmental challenges that we face: 

• The top 100 companies in the world are responsible for 71 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions 
• Just 25 corporate and state-owned entities are responsible for over half of global industrial emissions 
• The average company in the S&P 500 produces about 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year 

Recent Climate Change Conferences 

Leaders from around the world have been convening at many important climate change conferences to discuss the climate crisis and make commitments to reduce emissions. 

One of the most significant conferences was COP26, held in Scotland in 2021, attended by representatives from 197 countries, as well as businesses, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. COP26’s goal was to accelerate action on climate change and to reach a global agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 

Although countries did not agree to a global price on carbon, countries did agree to phase down coal power, increase their emissions reduction initiatives, and provide more financial support to developing countries. 

Another important climate change conference was Middle East Climate Week (MECW), held in Dubai in March of 2023, via the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, where 4,000+ participants convened from 100+ countries. MECW’s goal was to accelerate climate action in the Middle East and North Africa. 

Key outcomes from MECW included the launch of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), a regional plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and to reduce carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030. Additionally, the UAE committed to investing $100 billion in clean energy and climate action over the next 30 years.  

These are just a few examples of recent climate change conferences that provide a forum for countries to come together and discuss climate change, share best practices, and make commitments to reduce emissions. They also raise awareness of the climate crisis and build momentum for action. 

How to Get in Involved 

Throughout the year EHS&S professionals are doing their part to drive positive environmental change. There are many ways you can support environmental efforts in your own community.

Here are a few ideas: 

• Volunteer for an environmental organization. Many organizations, for example, need help with a variety of tasks, such as cleaning up pollution, planting trees, and educating the public about environmental issues. Find opportunities by searching online or contacting your local environmental organization.  
• Attend a sustainability event. These events are a great way to learn more about environmental issues and to meet other people who are passionate about protecting the environment. 

• Create new content about an environmental issue. Writing an article for your company, being a podcast guest, or sending out an internal email to your company about an environmental issue is a great way to raise awareness and encourage others to act. 
• Speak at a conference about an environmental issue. This can help raise awareness about issues, highlight your company’s impact and vision, and encourage others to act. 

SAI360’s EHS&S Platform 

SAI360’s EHS&S solution gives users the knowledge and tools they need to fulfill their responsibilities to protect the environment. For example, modules like Emissions Management, Waste Management and Metrics Management help organizations implement effective environmental controls, identify and reduce environmental risks and accurately report their environmental impact. Interested in learning how SAI360’s EHS&S software solution can support your Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy? Let’s start a conversation: https://www.sai360.com/request-demo/request-demo-ehs