You may have seen the green signs hanging around the city or you may have heard Pittsburgh is currently representing North America as part of World Environment Day, but what does this distinction entail? In the Fall of 2009, on the heels of the G-20 Summit, Pittsburgh was selected by the UNEP (U.N. Environment Programme, an environmental policy group for the United Nations) to serve as our continent’s host for a series of events to be held between Earth Day on April 22^nd and World Environment Day on June 5^th. For a complete list of events, which includes photography and painting contests, film screenings, and community festivals, please consult this link. The selection as host city provides even further affirmation that Pittsburgh has truly transformed from the “smoky city” to an environmental leader.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 as an avenue to promote environment awareness on a global scale. Along with Pittsburgh, hosts from six other regions around the world are working with the following goals in mind:

1. Give a human face to environmental issues

2. Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development

3. Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues

4. Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

This event has a major impact on global environmental policies, but more than anything, it is an event for the people. So, be sure to check out a few of the events going on around the city and once again show the world the environmental prominence of Pittsburgh.

The news of this event is especially important to Newbury as a member of the Pittsburgh community. A belief in environmental issues is sustained through practice and Newbury has proven to be a leader in this area. Take a look at the work behind the project at Newbury and our belief in being an asset to this initiative.