UNIC Sana'a: Arab States Joint Video World Environment Day 2023

The Arab region is a land of contrasts, from the vast deserts to the lush green oases and with seas and oceans surrounding us. But one thing that unites us all is our need to protect the environment. We are facing a multitude of environmental challenges that are putting millions of people, especially those living in conflict zones and polluted areas, at risk. These challenges include water scarcity, poaching, and inadequate energy systems and require immediate and sustainable solutions to ensure the well-being of both current and future generations. As we continue to witness the effects of climate change, it’s becoming clear that the Arab region is not immune to its impact. The United Nations Secretary-General recently warned that without significant changes we could see a temperature rise of 2.8 degrees by the end of this century. We need to take action now to limit this rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and protect our communities and future generations. It’s vital to support the acceleration agenda proposed by the UN Secretary-General and work towards sustainable solutions for our environmental challenges Furthermore, the United Nations agencies are making tangible progress toward advancing sustainable solutions for the environmental issues in the Arab region. Implementing solar energy systems in public institutions is a remarkable milestone, showcasing the potential of reducing our dependence on conventional fuel sources and curbing air pollution effectively. It is crucial that we extend our unwavering support to such initiatives and work persistently towards realizing a brighter greener future for all. Equally important is the emphasis placed on using natural fertilizers to preserve the soil plant health and creating green spaces. The current UN efforts to safeguard the Yemeni Red Sea coast from a massive oil spill are being counterbalanced by major operations to protect livestock in the region. An oil spill would cause permanent environmental damage and have substantial economic repercussions across the region. If such a catastrophe occurs, the fish stock will take up to 25 years to recover. On World Environment Day 2023, it’s crucial that we acknowledge our shared responsibility in preserving the environment. Together, we can make a positive impact and guarantee a protected planet. For future generations.