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The aggravating global climatic crisis calls for raising awareness towards preservation of nature locally, nationally, and globally. Days like World Environment Day (WED) assist to raise consciousness among people and infuse a sense of responsibility towards safeguarding the environment from disastrous adversities.

Since its inception in 1974, WED has developed into a global platform taking action on increasingly urgent environmental issues, from marine pollution and global warming to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. Millions of people have been motivated to meet the environmental challenges and now WED is epitomises the global environmental movement.

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) that was established in 1983 as a division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI), celebrated the World Environment Day on June 5, 2017, in Kolkata to enlighten children about the effectiveness of nature and encourage  them to protect nature. Sunita Kanoria, Chairperson of FLO Kolkata along with the Bansai Chapter presented the theme “Go Green” aiming to make the world a better place. Those present included Damien Syed, Console General of France, Kolkata, Jonathan Ward, Principal Commercial Officer of the US Consulate, Kolkata, and fashion designers Dev and Nil.

The participating children were encouraged to respect nature. Sunita Kanoria said, “Nature has an important role to play in our life. We must learn to protect it. All of us are responsible for the future of this world. Only you can make a difference by saying no to the harmful things that cause damage to the environment and saving it from further decay. The event aims at planting more trees.  Everyone wants to live a healthy life. So action should be taken immediately. You must use eco-friendly and recyclable products which are made of plants and avoid products made of polymers and plastics.”

Fashion Designers Nil and Dev create designs to inspire people to protect nature. They support home-based farming and home based gardening. It is not unknown that the entire world is reeling under severe pollution. Global warming is alarming. Recently, the Paris climate agreement has spurred a lot of debate. Damien Syed opined, “Paris climate agreement is one of the most important initiatives taken globally. We should all work together to mitigate global warming and harmful gases. The agreement aims at limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, which can minimize the risks and impacts of climate change. We should all cooperate and coordinate to make the world a healthy place to survive.”

Jonathan Ward inspired the children with his vibrant personality. He suggested that the children should take up the responsibility to save the planet to build a safe and secured future for the next generation. He said, “When I was of your age, I started planting trees. It is through small initiatives that big differences can be made.”

FLO Committee member, Usha Modi organised a quiz on nature. The children participated enthusiastically. They were gifted small potted plants.  The programme ended with the children planting trees and pledging, “The earth is my home, I promise to keep it healthy and beautiful.”