World Environmental Health Day is celebrated every year on September 26. Underlining the importance we should give to the health of our environment and emphasizing the value of this day, this day draws attention to the necessity of living in harmony with nature and protecting both our own health and our planet. Environmental health covers basic human rights such as access to clean water, clean air, safe food and sustainable living spaces. However, climate change, environmental pollution and excessive consumption of natural resources are in a position to threaten these rights. Therefore, in order to protect our environmental health, we need to keep these problems and their effects to a minimum. In order to combat the pressures on natural resources, which are especially the effects of the increasing population, we need to use resources in an optimum way.
This special day reminds us that individuals, communities and governments should take responsibility to protect the environment, while also expressing the protection of environmental health. Simple steps such as reducing plastic waste, using renewable energy, saving water and protecting ecosystems can make great contributions to environmental health.
Let’s think about what we can do individually and socially to better protect the environment. Developing climate-friendly habits, reducing our carbon footprint, and choosing environmentally friendly products are an essential part of this fight.
Let’s not forget that protecting environmental health is not just a matter of today, but also of the future. On this World Environmental Health Day, let’s all take steps together for a cleaner, more sustainable world. A healthy planet means a healthy future.
