This environmental movement was embarked in 1972 when the UN General Assembly inaugurated this day to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by them on the same day, led to the creation of UNEP. Since then, every year a theme is chosen globally, like last year it was `For Life on Earth: Save our Seas'.

You too can celebrate this special event in many ways -- including street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essay competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean up campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action. Heads of state, prime ministers and ministers of environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the earth. More serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent government structure dealing with environment.