World Environment Day: Melting Ice – A Hot Topic

The slogan selected for 2007 is "Melting Ice - a Hot Topic?" In support of the International Polar Year, the WED theme focuses on the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems and communities, and the ensuing consequences around the world.

Ice plays a critical role in shaping our planet's environment. Ice - in the form of sea ice, glaciers, ice caps and snow - reflects some of the sun's heat and cools the planet. In contrast, the dark surfaces of the open sea and snow-free ground absorb heat. As ice disappears, the Earth retains more of the sun's heat, and as the Earth warms up, more ice melts. Through this feedback process the declining level of ice fuels global warming.

The agenda for the day will highlight the human face of environmental issues. The event aims to empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. World Environment Day is a people's event with colourful activities such as street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns.