Celebrating World Environment Day 2021: Together for a Greener Future

The World Environment Day is no longer just another date on the calendar – it has become a global call to action. Every year on June 5th, we not only celebrate the beauty of our environment, but also draw attention to the urgent challenges posed by climate change and worldwide crises. This day reminds us that, as members of a global community, we have the responsibility to protect our planet and promote sustainable change.

After months of Covid-19 restrictions, during which social contact was limited, it was a special moment for us, the current SBW Berlin scholars, when we could finally meet in person again. On June 5th, 2021, we gathered in the front yard and garden at SBW Berlin to celebrate World Environment Day together – a small but meaningful gesture in times of the pandemic.

• Location: SBW Berlin
• Date: June 5th, 2021
• Meaning: A symbolic moment of global engagement for environmental protection

In West Bengal, India, activists from the Green Crusaders organization also gathered under the strict Covid-19 measures to safely celebrate this day. World Environment Day has a long tradition in India, especially since the 1990s, when the founding of Green Crusaders gave the day additional significance.

Our Action in Berlin:

In Berlin, we decided to plant a small tree, inspired by the traditions practiced in India. There, activists, including those from Green Crusaders, plant saplings and run small but effective campaigns for environmental protection, such as a campaign against plastic use in the village of Junglegheri.

• Symbolism: Planting a tree as a sign of growth and hope for a greener future
• Activities in India: Planting saplings and campaigns against plastic

In Berlin, we drew parallels and gave short speeches about the effects of climate change while we repotted a fig tree together. This tree symbolizes not only growth but also our hope for a greener, more sustainable future.

Reminder of the day:

We will always remember this day when we water our fig tree and watch it grow. This fall or next year, we will hopefully reward it with fresh figs and enjoy them together – a symbolic moment of yield and commitment to a better world.

• Symbolic meaning: fig tree as a sign of yield and commitment
• Future prospects: harvesting in the fall and enjoying the fruit together

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