This year marked the 36th commemoration of the World Environment Day. The United Nations System in Zambia with The Government Republic  of Zambia and other stakeholders marked this occasion , the localized theme was “Kick the Co2 Habit: Sustaining a Low Carbon Economy”.  

This year marked the 36th commemoration of the World Environment Day. The United Nations System in Zambia with The Government Republic  of Zambia and other stakeholders marked this occasion , the localized theme was “Kick the Co2 Habit: Sustaining a Low Carbon Economy”. In attendance where The UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Aeneas Chuma, The Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Todd Chilembo who was the guest of honour, Ms Marsha Moyo the just appointed UN MDG Advocate for MDGs in Zambia, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director, Ms Melu, several Primary Schools, Colleges and the University of Zambia, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), Environmental Council of Zambia, Green Living Movement, Zambia Land Alliance, The Meteorological Department, Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia, Albidon a mining company.

Presiding the environment day there was an environment awareness week that commenced on 29th May 2008 right through to 4th June 2008, however some of the activities continued beyond the stipulated time frame. During this time there where live radio and TV discussion programmes that where aimed at raising awareness, a tree planting exercise and a forum done from the University of Zambia.

A school competition based on the localised theme was organised which saw Kabulonga Boys take the first prize followed by Jacaranda High School, Chilenje South Basic School and Rhodes Park School for the second, third and fourth respectively each of the winners where given a check and a tree each to plant in a place of their choice. There where several sketches done by Vokapo cultural ensemble that educated people on climate change and the environment.

The guest of honour and other invited guests where taken on a tour of the stands where different organisations had exhibits on the localised World Environment Day theme.

The UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Aeneas Chuma in his speech said that Zambia should strive to maintain minimal emissions through less use of vehicles, use of energy saving appliances or switching off what was not in use (power) and the reduction in the burning of waste material. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Todd Chilembo, M.P. urged Zambians to refrain from activities that increased green house gases.  He said that this year’s theme was centred on climate change hence the need for people to change the attitudes and focus on good environmental practices.