Since 1974, the United Nations has dedicated 5 June to World Environment Day, marking the occasion by raising awareness and calling for action for the environment. This year is no different: recent natural disasters as well as the coronavirus pandemic have demonstrated once again how much we humans depend on nature.

"We live in an interconnected world, so whatever we do, even if it is thousands of kilometres away, sooner or later you will feel the effects," says Tania Casal, scientific campaign coordinator at the European Space Agency, who delivers scientific data on how CO₂ levels affect ice in the Arctic and Antarctic seas.

The EU has taken on the role of global leader in the fight against climate change and in protecting biodiversity. 

• Catch up on the full story of the EU's action against climate change.

In December 2019, European leaders declared their goal of making the EU climate neutral by 2050.  

“We are in a climate emergency. As President of the European Council, I have a clear goal: to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent on the planet by 2050”, said European Council President Charles Michel.

To reach this objective, it is important to make more sustainable choices in the way we work, we move, we produce, we live. The EU wants the transition towards a climate-neutral economy to happen in a cost-effective, just and socially balanced way.

Since then, the European Commission has published its European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives aimed at helping the EU achieve its 2050 climate neutrality goal.

• Various Council configurations have started to discuss these legislative proposals. 

And when European leaders meet later this month and discuss the EU Recovery Fund to help ease the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, they will also consider its implications #ForNature.

"A caring society means caring for people and for nature. Our recovery from #COVID19 will be anchored in our green ambitions", affirmed Charles Michel on Friday.

We will share as many as possible on the EU Council social media accounts to support young people’s voices in the fight against climate change and other environmental challenges.

• You can also follow our whole campaign on our website.

So, do you have time for nature?