Pittsburgh continues to attract international attention with its selection as the North American Host City for World Environment Day 2010. The Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership today announced plans for more than 65 regional events and activities to promote environmental awareness and action during the six weeks that “bridge the gap” between the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and World Environment Day on June 5.“Pittsburgh is prepared to represent North America, highlight our successes, share best practices and discuss the important work that is needed for a sustainable future,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through the more than 65 planned events and activities, we will showcase the region’s strengths and global accomplishments as a green leader that has successfully managed to improve both our economy and environmental stewardship.”
“The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is very impressed with the quality and breadth of activities being organized by the City of Pittsburgh to commemorate the fourth North American World Environment Day celebrations. Pittsburgh has set the bar extremely high not only for North America, but also for other parts of the world, and we congratulate the organizers on their efforts”, said Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP’s Regional Office for North America.
The Partnership, which engages more than 200 organizations in the Pittsburgh region, also unveiled the overall theme of the region’s World Environment Day activities – Water Matters!. This regional theme supports the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) global theme of “Biodiversity.”
“With the convergence of our three rivers, water has always played a vital role in the economic vitality of our region, whether it is through industry or recreation,” said Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato. “As the North American hosts of World Environment Day, we will celebrate the progress we’ve made in reducing our ecological footprint and creating policies and programs to further promote sustainable practices. But, we will also use this as an opportunity to learn from others. Through our programs, we will initiate important conversations about the importance of water to increased biodiversity.”
Some of the region’s key events and activities will include:
- Water Matters! Global Water Conference (June 3)
- Water Innovation Consortium and Business of Water Assessment
- Water Matters to Youth Too! Student Water Workshop with Dr. Mae Jemison (June 4)
- Convergence: Art & Environment at the Three Rivers Arts Festival (June 4-13)
- 19th Annual International Children’s Painting Competition (Exhibit opens June 4)
- The International Children’s Painting Competition (ICPC) (June 4)
- Paddle at the Point: Kayaks and Canoes World Record Attempt (June 5)
- The Black and Gold City Goes Green – Water Savers Competition (April—June)
“The activities and community leadership of more than 200 regional organizations active in World Environment Day underscores our commitment to and proven leadership in restoration of the natural environment and sustainable development,” said Court Gould, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the lead organizer for the Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership
For more information about all of the events and activities of World Environment Day in Pittsburgh, visit www.pittsburghwed.com.
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