The IAEA is helping mankind to achieve the goal of developing a low carbon economy through its commitment to fostering the efficient and safe use of nuclear power. The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy", in recognition of the fact that climate change is among the defining issues of our era. The event highlights resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
Through the work of the Department of Nuclear Energy, the IAEA supports existing nuclear programmes around the world, catalyzes innovation and builds local capacity in energy planning, conducts analysis and disseminates nuclear information and knowledge.
As a source of low carbon energy, nuclear power emits about the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) as wind and hydro power, and well below coal, oil and natural gas. Today, nuclear power supplies about 15 per cent of the world´s electricity.
The IAEA is also involved in the promotion of nuclear technologies that are used in assessing, mitigating and predicting environmental impact. Projects such as generating data for air quality management in Metro Manila, Philippines, or controlling air pollution in Mexico City, are only two examples of how the IAEA is contributing to sustainable development through the application of nuclear technologies to address environmental issues.
The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 are being held this year in Wellington, New Zealand. However, the event is marked all over the world in many ways, including street rallies, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more.
The IAEA contributed to an exhibition organised by the Vienna-based UN organisations at the Vienna International Centre.
Background
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. It is commemorated each year on 5 June and is a UN initiative aimed at stimulating worldwide awareness of the environment and enhancing political attention and action.