world wetlands day i 2 febuary
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Wetlands are the land transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.
Areas such as tidal flats, flooded areas near rivers, rice paddies, swamps, or lakes are all referred to as wetlands.
Wetlands share characteristics of both environments yet cannot be classified unambiguously as either aquatic or terrestrial.
Significance
Wetlands provide countless ecosystem services ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation.
Wetlands are habitat to aquatic flora and fauna, native and migratory species of birds.
They perform numerous valuable functions such as recycling nutrients, purifying water, attenuating floods, recharging groundwater, serves in providing drinking water, and many more.
Reasons for Depletion
Deforestation and Salinization have led to the depletion of wetlands.
Increase in global temperatures contributed to rising sea levels, which has impacted coastal wetland systems.
In India, due to rice culture, there has been a loss in the spatial extent of wetland.
previous environmental days
national youth day i 12 january
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Greetings from Haritima- The Environmental Awareness Society, Hansraj College. 
“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.”
—Swami Vivekananda
National Youth Day is celebrated every year to remember Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary.
This day is also known as Vivekananda Jayanti and Yuva Diwas. Today we commemorate revolutionary ideas of Swami Vivekananda that hold utmost importance for us.
This Yuva Diwas let’s come together and inculcate a small habit that aims to make a better future of the country…
To ensure his legacy lives on…
WORLD TOILET DAY i 19 november
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This day is celebrated on 19 November every year to make people aware of the importance of toilets and their role in improving the health of people around the world.
It was first celebrated in the year 2001 unofficially which was initiated by World Toilet Organization but since 19 November 2012, it is celebrated as an official UN day.
The theme for the year 2021 is ‘Valuing Toilets’.
FACTS
40% of the world lack access to improved sanitation.
As a part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN hopes to make sure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Far more people in the world have access to mobile phones than toilets.
Poor sanitation increases the possibility of malnutrition and disease.
Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death among children under five, which can be prevented through adequate sanitation and hygiene.
Toilets are important because access to a safe functioning toilet has a positive effect on public health. So, it’s necessary to safely manage sanitation.
international day for preventing the exploitation of the environment in war and armed conflict i 6 november
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Greetings from Haritima- The Environmental Awareness Society of Hansraj College 🌱
Each year on 6th of November, International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is celebrated to make people aware about the hazardous effects of human weapons on environment. 🌿
The day marks the harmful effect of nuclear weapons, wars between countries, Chemical exploitation, etc on ecosystem and its permanent effect on ecosystem.
Peace treaty and non violent communication is the best way to solve Conflict and reduce violent actions harming mega human population.☀️
international day for disaster reduction | 13 october
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HISTORY
– It’s observed on October 13 every year.
– First time it was celebrated was in 1989.
– Thus far three world conferences have been held on this.
– Every year a theme is set with regard to disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
OBJECTIVES
– To foster a worldwide culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction including prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
– To scale back the danger of small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by man-made, or natural hazards, as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.
– The purpose requires switching from emergency response to prevention and preparedness.
FACTS
– Low and middle-income countries face the most problem in the form of economic and social damage.
– Floods are the foremost widespread natural disaster apart from wildfires.
– Disasters hit hardest specifically at the local level.
– Infrastructure is a key risk factor. If infrastructure is good then we can aid quickly to people suffering from the disaster.
– Southeast Asia, Central America, Oceania and the Southern Sahel are consistently disaster risk hotspots.
wildlife week | 2 october to 8 october
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HISTORY
- Each year from 2nd October to 8th October, Wildlife week is observed in India.
- It was first celebrated in 1955 as Wildlife day, later upgraded as Wildlife week.
- GOI has established an Indian Board of Wildlife which works to the objective behind Wildlife week i.e., to spread, conserve and implement strategies and policies for preserving animals.
- Each year, a theme is decided in regards to plants and animals.
OBJECTIVES
The National Wildlife Week is celebrated in the country under the subsequent fundamental objectives:
- To make people aware of the protection and conservation of wildlife.
- To implement services that preserve wildlife.
- To discuss and identify issues associated with wildlife preservation.
PROJECTS AND LEGISLATIONS
Some acts and programs launched by GOI to conserve wildlife;
- Project Tiger
- Project Elephant
- Project Rhino
- Project Crocodile
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972
- Wetlands (conservation and management rules) 2010
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Zoological and Botanical Parks
- National Parks
- Indian Forests Act, 1972
- Fisheries Act, 1897
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
- Environment Protection Act
- Biological Diversity Act
- Forest Conservation Act
world rhino day | 22 September
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HISTORY
- First observed on 22nd September 2011.
- This year the world will celebrate its 10thAnniversary
- A street Campaign was organized on its first day of celebration
- United Nations have stated the motto as “Keep all five alive”
SIGNIFICANCE
- The main reason for the loss of the rhino population is poaching, climate change, and the destruction of their natural habitat by human intervention.
- All 5 of the world’s diverse species of rhinoceros have been brought to the edge of extinction due to the human appetite for their distinctive horns and black marketing.
- The horns are in great demand as they have medicinal properties and are exploited by man for personal greed.
- The one-horned rhino is called the Indian rhinoceros and is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN.
- The animal is mostly found in the foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas, in India, and Nepal.
FACTS
- Rhinoceros horns are one of the world’s most hardest substances.
- There are only five species left out of 10 species and all five are extremely vulnerable.
- Their skin is so hard that even venomous snake bites can’t do any harm to them.
- They are herbivores but can feed upon small reptiles.
- Only two continents are left with Rhinoceros population- South Africa and South Asia.
zero emissions day | 21 September
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ABOUT
- Observed annually on 21st September. It aims to provide Awareness about increasing environmental issues.
- It was first seen in 2008, when the founder Ken Wallace launched a website in Nova Scotia, Canada, calling for September 21st to denote a day where NO FOSSIL FUELS ARE CONSUMED.
SIGNIFICANCE
- We can utilize this as an opportunity to raise awareness and share information about the sums of fossil fuels that are used globally and how an individual can minimize carbon footprint on this day plus in the long run.
- We can begin by minimizing the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels and incorporating the 5 R’s: refuse, reduce, reuse, rot, recycle.
- Avoiding single-use plastics and paper products, buying only required products, finding a way to reuse items by repairing or upcycling them, installing a compost system for food scraps, and properly recycling any plastic, paper, glass, and metal.
FACTS ABOUT FOSSIL FUELS EMISSION
- Fossil fuels emissions contribute to about 79% of the world’s pollution.
- CO2 is the most hazardous pollutant.
- Xinjiang, China is the world’s most polluted city.
- Ghaziabad, India is the second most polluted city in the world
- Half of the electricity generated worldwide is contributed by fossil fuels.
preservation of ozone layer day | 16 September
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Greetings from Haritima – The Environmental Awareness Society of Hansraj College 
International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer is observed on 16th September commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
It was first discovered in 1970s that humanity has created a hole in the protective shield of ozone and since then several efforts are being taken to prevent the depletion.
The main sources of depletion of the Ozone Layer are human activities that contain Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) such as Chlorofluorocarbon(CFCs) and Bromine.
Avoiding the consumption of gases that are harmful to the environment and planting trees can be preventive steps to protect the ozone shield.
Teachers' day | 5 September
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Teachers’ Day is a day to honour all those who have guided and mentored us right through our childhood. Each year it is celebrated on 5th of September throughout the nation.
While pompous school and college celebrations belong to the past, the day remains a special time to present gratitude to our teachers.
HISTORY
Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the birthday anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the 1st vice-president of India and the 2nd President of the nation.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was an esteemed educationist. Once, his students asked him, out of reverence and curiosity, if he’d allow them to celebrate his birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan denied any special treatment but suggested to the pupils that they could celebrate the day as Teachers’ Day to acknowledge their contribution to society. That’s how it all began.
significance
This is a day to honour and show gratitude to each and every educator and teacher. Across India, all the educational institutions have been celebrating this day by paying honour and tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan. Many students show their appreciation and gratitude to their teachers by giving them cards, gift and flowers.
Independence Day | 15 August
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Significance and Importance
- Independence Day in India is celebrated by people of all religions, cultures and traditions with great joy and happiness. It marks the end of British rule of about 190 long years in 1947 and the establishment of a free and independent Indian nation.
- It also commemorates the partition of the Indian subcontinent into two countries, India and Pakistan, on August 14–15, 1947, at midnight.
- The Indian Independence Bill was originally introduced in the British House of Commons on July 14, 1947. The bill stipulated that British authority in India would end on August 15, 1947. The bill was passed in less than a week, and India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
- Since the day is symbolic of the regional and cultural independence of the Indiancivilization, it is celebrated as the national holiday with flag-raising ceremonies and various cultural events.
HISTORY
- The East India Firm, a trading company of the British Empire, first set foot in India in Surat, Gujarat, in 1619. In the port city, the East India Company established trading posts.
- After winning the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the East India Company acquired control of the country. Through the East India Company, the British Empire dominated India for 150 years.
- Their control became increasingly repressive and ruthless, sowing the seeds of insurrection among Indians. Great leaders rose to the fore and fought for independence.
- Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh were among the leaders and liberation fighters who ushered in the nation’s freedom movement.
- In 1947, the British left India and all power was returned to Indian citizens as a result of the Quit India Movement.
How it is celebrated?
- Flag-raising ceremonies, drills, and the singing of the Indian national song are held all over India on Independence Day. In addition, the state capitals offer a variety of cultural programmes.
- A parade of personnel of the military forces and police follows the prime minister’s participation in the flag-raising ceremony at the Red Fort;a historic site in Old Delhi.
- The prime minister then gives a televised address to the nation, highlighting India’s main achievements during the past year as well as future challenges and ambitions.
- Kite flying is one of the traditions associated with the day
- Government offices in New Delhi remain lit throughout the holiday, even though they are closed
world elephant day
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know more about elephants
Scientific name: Loxodonta
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Proboscidea
Family: Elephantidae
Subfamily: Elephantinae
About World Elephant Day
- Every year on August 12th, World Elephant Day is observed to emphasize the value of elephants, raise awareness about the severe challenges they face, and provide information on how to safely handle captive and wild elephants.
- World Elephant Day was initiated in 2011 by two Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and was first celebrated on August 12, 2012.
- The day encourages you to interact with elephants in non-exploitative, sustainable habitats where they can thrive while being cared for and protected.
- We can support this day by continuing to try to be a collective voice expressing our concerns, offering our experience, and support resolutions aimed at improving the treatment of both captive and wild elephants
Why A Threat?
- Ivory trade is one of the greatest threats.
- The parts of the world that demand ivory, such as China, are becoming increasingly wealthy, meaning that they can pay more for tusks.
- Habitat loss also poses a threat to the world’s elephant population, as it deprives elephants of hundreds of pounds of food each day.
- Poaching, human-elephant conflict, and captivity abuse are just a few of the threats faced by African and Asian elephants
Facts:
- Most elephants can live to about 60 years.
- 2. Only about 40,000 to 50,000 elephants are left in the wild, the rest are in captivity.
- Elephants’ trunks have roughly 150,000 muscle units.
- According to veterinarians and wildlife experts interviewed by National Geographic, as well as an examination of past elephant die-offs, possible causes include the ingestion of toxic bacteria in water, anthrax poisoning, poisoning by humans, viral infection from rodents, or a pathogenic microbe.
world lion day
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know more about lions
Scientific Name: Panthera Leo
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordate
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Panthera
Significance And History
- Every year on August 10, the world commemorates World Lion Day, with the goal of raising awareness and educating people about lions and conservation issues.
- Big Cat Rescue, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to big cats, founded this celebration of the animal kingdom’s most beautiful and fearsome creature.
- It is the brainchild of Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a husband-and-wife team with a passion for big cats.
- It’s a chance for lion lovers all over the world to fight back against the king of beasts’ declining range and habitat. These enormous creatures are among the world’s largest land species and an apex predator with a reputation unrivalled in the animal kingdom. If the species were to completely vanish from the natural environment, it would be a tragic loss for both nature and humanity.
Why Save them ?
- The lion is an apex predator that helps to maintain ecological balance by controlling the populations of browsers and grazers. Its preservation ensures the protection of natural forest areas and habitats, which helps to conserve biodiversity. Many water resources in the lion kingdom are protected in the Gir protected area.
- The lion is also a part of Indian mythology and has long been associated with the country’s culture. Locals in Gir and the surrounding area take pride in living in harmony with nature and are emotionally attached to lions.
- They must contend with the twin threats of growing popularity of “trophy hunting” and human incursion into their traditional wildlands. With each passing year, they become more vulnerable due to food shortages and hunting tourism. The lion population has decreased by half in the last four decades.
Facts
- In a single meal, lions can consume up to 40kg of meat, which is roughly a quarter of their body weight. Their tongues have papillae, which are sharp-pointed rasps that scrape meat off the bones.
- Because lions’ eyes have adapted to the dark, they hunt at night, giving them a significant advantage over their prey.
- There are only 23,000 lions left in the wild, according to estimates.
- Lions can go up to four days without drinking water, but they will drink water every day if it is available.
HIROSHIMA DAY
SIGNIFICANCE :
Every year on August 6, Hiroshima Day is commemorated to promote “peace politics.” A day dedicated to raising awareness about the devastation that war has on people and places. This year marks the 76th year since the incident took place. People gather in Hiroshima’s Peace Park on Hiroshima Day to pray, sing, and offer paper cranes as a symbol of peace. At the exact moment the bomb detonates, the Peace Bell sounds. People take a moment of silence to remember the millions of people who died as a result of that one heinous act. An annual floating lantern ceremony is held at Willen Lake’s Peace Pagoda to commemorate the event.
History / Important Facts :
The Second World War continued in Asia after Germany surrendered to Allied forces in May 1945. The Allies fought imperial Japan. The US believed that using a nuclear weapon would force Japan to surrender, saving millions of US lives. The Manhattan Project, a programme for developing nuclear weapons, resulted in the development of two atomic bombs.
- The first bomb, named ‘Little Boy,’ was set to fall on Hiroshima, while the second, named ‘Fat Man,’ was set to fall on Nagasaki.
- On this day in 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The second bomb was dropped in Nagasaki three days later, on August 9.
- The city was chosen because it housed key personnel and facilities. With 40,000 Japanese combatants stationed within the city limits, Hiroshima was the headquarters of the 2nd General Army and the 5th Division.
OUTCOME:
- Thousands of people died as a result of the nuclear bomb explosions, with an estimated 80,000 people killed immediately and another 35,000 injured.
- By the end of the year, another 60,000 people would have died as a result of the bomb’s effects. The city was immediately abandoned. This was the first occasion that atomic weapons were deployed in a battle.
- The bombings marked the end of World War II, as Japan was forced to surrender to the Allies six days after the explosion over Nagasaki on August 15.
- Following Japan’s traumatic experience during WWII, the country adopted the three Non-Nuclear Principles, which stated that the country would not develop or attempt to develop nuclear weapons in the future.