Frequently Asked Questions

• What is World Environment Day?
• Why was Pittsburgh selected as the North American host city?
• What is the meaning of selection as host city?
• Who coordinated Pittsburgh WED 2010?
• Why Sustainable Pittsburgh?
• How can my organization get involved?

What is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which oversees WED. Commemorated each year on June 5, WED stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. With thousands of events in UNEP's six global regions — North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, West Asia and Europe — WED is considered one of the largest environmental events of its kind.

WED is designed to:

• give a human face to environmental issues;
• empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;
• promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes toward environmental issues; and
• advocate partnership that will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

On WED, political and environmental leaders deliver statements, commit themselves to care for the Earth and make pledges that lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management. WED also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions. But WED also is a people's event. People around the globe celebrate with colorful activities such as street rallies, city-wide walks, scientific forums, bicycle parades, green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree plantings, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns.

Why was Pittsburgh selected as the North American host city?

UNEP bestowed this honor in response to Pittsburgh's story of transformation and its commitment to sustainable development. Certainly, the spotlight from the G-20 Summit in September contributed the selection as did leadership from Bayer Corporation, which has been a supporting partner of UNEP on WED events around the globe. UNEP specifically noted Pittsburgh's remarkable progress in restoring its biodiversity, improving its economy and environment and the symbolism of its location at the headwaters of the Ohio River system.

What is the meaning of selection as host city?

Selection as host city provides a global stamp of approval for the region's progress in and commitment to improving its environment. In addition to permission to use the WED marks and endorsement in marketing initiatives, UNEP will support the effort through publicity on its Web sites and by facilitating global connections with experts and partners to ensure a successful celebration.

UNEP determined that the 37th annual WED would focus on the theme ‘Biodiversity — Ecosystems and the Green Economy” because of Pittsburgh’s commitment to sustainable development. In a sense, UNEP gave license and a brand for Pittsburgh to put to good use under the expectation that partners would facilitate as much grassroots participation as possible and emphasize improvement to the environment and the economy.

Additional interests unique to the Pittsburgh region include tie-in to the three rivers and matters where the region has leadership, opportunities and challenges that are nationally and internationally relevant. UNEP is continually interested in finding ways to tie WED to Earth Day, which will celebrate its 41st anniversary on April 22, 2011. Last year, UNEP embraced Pittsburgh’s emphasis on water and biodiversity issues by following the “Water Matters!” theme.

Who coordinated Pittsburgh WED 2010?

The six-week “bridge period” from Earth Day to WED always presents tremendous opportunity for core organized events and independently organized activities in the region.

Last year, a leadership group comprised of UNEP, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Sustainable Pittsburgh operated in a partnership similar to that used during the buildup to the G-20 Summit. These groups worked together to coordinate different elements of the plan and report to representatives of the founding partners on a regular basis. Sustainable Pittsburgh served as the fiduciary for a core suite of activities. It also served as the convener by encouraging community coordination while facilitating core activities, including a global water conference, communication and community engagement.

Why Sustainable Pittsburgh?

In 2009, Sustainable Pittsburgh convened community leaders, including a number of major foundations, for a series of deliberations on establishing 2010 as the year of sustainability for the region. While the concept was generally embraced, the struggling economy and other pressing regional issues took precedence. When the opportunity to host WED 2010 arose, parallels to those earlier discussions were striking. The table was set to reconvene and continue the momentum created by the G-20.

How can my organization get involved?

To learn more about what you can do to celebrate World Environment Day, join in the discussions on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit www.PittsburghWED.com and register to receive updates.