World Environment Day 2005

From June 1 to June 5, San Francisco will host World Environment Day 2005, the first time this 33-year-old international event has been celebrated in North America. WED was established by the United Nations in 1972 to stimulate public action to protect the environment. San Francisco was chosen as host this year for its “leadership on environmental issues,” says Gloria Chan, of San Francisco’s Department of the Environment. With a theme of “Green Cities: Where the Future Lives,” a series of special events will focus on urban environmental issues such as recycling, renewable energy, resource conservation, environmental justice, and public health. Representatives of the world’s largest cities will share ideas and experiences, establish goals for urban environmental improvement, and identify the tools needed to achieve these goals. The weeklong event will feature museum exhibits, hikes, bicycle rides, concerts, movie screenings, tree planting, and other activities. For a list of special events taking place throughout the region, visit www.wed2005.org.

Local partners include the Coastal Conservancy, Neighborhood Parks Council, Presidio Trust, and many local museums, including the Natural World Museum, presenters of Art Into Action: Inspiring Sustainable Culture (www.natural worldmuseum.org).