World Environment Day in Wellington

Wellington is to host World Environment Day 2008, the UN Environment Program has announced. The focus of next year’s global celebrations will be encouraging countries, companies and communities to “Kick the habit” and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle. “New Zealand is among a pioneer group of countries committed to accelerating a transition to a low carbon and carbon-neutral economy,” said UN Under-Secretary General Achim Steiner. “We are therefore delighted to be holding the main WED 2008 celebrations in Wellington and in communities across this South Pacific nation.” World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 and is celebrated annually on June 5.