What day is it?

International Day of Environmental Knowledge is celebrated by the world community every year on April 15. The organizers of this holiday set themselves the goal of spreading ecological knowledge around the planet. On this day, specialists in this field and people who care about the ecological state of our planet inform the public about what is happening in the field of environmental safety both within a specific country and in the world in general.

Also, on this day, important statistical data are presented, which inform about the current state of the environment and encourage taking active actions to solve important environmental problems.

How did the idea to celebrate the International Day of Environmental Knowledge come about?

International Day of Environmental Knowledge was introduced in 1992 during the UN Conference, which considered the most important environmental problems. This convention took place in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), and the main focus of the participants was on environmental education and knowledge about ecology among the general public.

Ecology is a system of knowledge about how living organisms interact with each other and what significance they have for the environment. The concept of “ecology” also includes the living conditions of people and the existence of animals in specific areas. This word was first used in 1866 by the biologist Ernest Haeckel in his work “General Morphology of Organisms”. The future of our planet depends on ecological knowledge and its correct application. The development of education in the field of ecology is one of the primary tasks of the UN, as well as representatives of the authorities of each country.

Who are ecologists?

People who have won environmental education, called ecologists. These are specialists who analyze the state of the environment and work to reduce the negative impact on it by humans. Environmental engineers are engaged in the study of natural disasters and their causes, they are constantly searching for solutions to reduce damage to nature. Today, it is impossible to build any plant, factory, transport facility, or even a simple building without environmental expertise.

Ecological knowledge is a whole complex of various natural disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, physics, etc. In addition, ecologists must have an excellent command of environmental regulations, standards and laws, and know how environmental analysis and expertise are carried out.

Environmentalists work not only in organizations for the protection of nature, this position is mandatory in various enterprises, in construction organizations, in factories and plants, etc.

Interesting facts about ecologists and ecology

• In Sweden, electricity is obtained by burning garbage. A similar program was initiated by the country’s authorities. In recent years in Sweden, 50% of waste is used for energy production.
• The Nike company, which produces branded sportswear, shoes and equipment for athletes, accepts old sneakers for recycling. Recycled raw materials are used to create new equipment and sports grounds.
• Balls are produced specifically for golfing on cruise ships, which do not cause any harm to marine life. The fact is that fish feed is used for their production.
• In the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, there is a huge garbage patch, called the entire Eastern Continent of garbage, consisting of several hundred pieces of plastic and polyethylene waste.
• 50% of Chinese people consume contaminated water. The level of pollution of this water is several times higher than the permissible standards.
• More than 10% of the surface of our planet belongs to the class of protected lands.
• Environmentalists in Australia save koalas from death by dragging vines between trees growing on different sides of highways.
• From the point of view of ecology, the territory of Tibet is considered the cleanest.
• Half a millennium is exactly how long it takes for a plastic bottle to completely decompose.

International Day of Environmental Knowledge in History

• 1866

  The word “ecology” was first used in 1866 by the biologist Ernest Haeckel in his work “General Morphology of Organisms”.
• 1992

  The International Day of Environmental Knowledge was introduced in 1992 during the UN Conference, which considered the most important environmental problems.

How to celebrate the International Day of Environmental Knowledge?

During the celebration, thematic actions and events are held in various educational institutions, the purpose of which is to inform pupils, students and other people about the state of ecology and its protection. Usually on this day, residents of settlements gather together to clean up in the local park, forest plantation, on the banks of rivers, lakes, etc. In addition to mass polls, greening campaigns are organized.

The cultural component of the holiday is also important, on this day you can visit a museum of natural history or local history, a local library. Actions and festivals are also held to raise funds for environmental protection. Television channels of general and national significance broadcast films and programs that reveal the environmental problems of our planet and acquaint viewers with possible ways to solve them.

When will we celebrate International Day of Environmental Knowledge?