Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon EconomyWorld Environment Day-2008
	12:58 IST

Tomorrow is World Environment Day. The Ministry of Environment & Forests will commemorate this day, the 5th June, to create awareness of the environment and enhance attention and action from masses. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) appeal countries, companies and communities to focus on green house gas emission and how to reduce them. It has given a slogan for 2008 ‘Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy’ recognizing Climate Change as the defining issue of our era. The Ministry will celebrate the day launching the Environment Ambassador Campaign and presentation of 3 Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar and 1 Young Environmentalist award. The President of India will present these awards. To publications of the Ministry namely ‘Animal Discoveries- 2007’, Zoological Survey of India and ‘Plant Discoveries-2007’, Botanical Survey of India also will be released and will be presented to the President. The ministry appeals to’ Pick Right! making the right choices’ to pay attention to climate change, achieve growth in a sustainable way to make positive contribution to the future of planet earth. Individuals, communities, companies and all policy makers are advised to choose alternatives and good practices that promote energy efficiencies, conservation and sustainable development. The day will be celebrated throughout the country organizing street rallies, bicycle parades, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree plating, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns etc. The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) is given in recognition to those who have made mesurable and major impact in the protection of environnent. Cash prize, a silver lotus trophy and a citation will be given to two individuals and one organisation. The Ministry received total number of 190 nominations for the year 2005 out of which three have been selected. The Ministry has awarded 32 IGPP since 1987. The National Museum of Natural History also celebrates its 30th Foundation Day tomorrow along with World Environment Day. NMNH organizes programmes for various age groups of children to create awareness and sensitized young minds towards environmental issues and concerns through out the year. Children are taught model nature, paint nature, origami, mask making, collage making, pencil shading and nature painting, importance of environment, conservation etc. The winners of various competitions will also receive their awards tomorrow. KP/rm/hb