According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), from 2000 to 2019, there were 7,348 major recorded disaster events claiming 1.23 million lives, affecting 4.2 billion people and resulting in approximately US$2.97 trillion in global economic losses. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and […]
Global Handwashing Day is to acknowledge the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. It is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. Handwashing with soap contributes to better health, nutrition, […]
Cities occupy 2% of the world's total landmass, but contribute to 70% of the world's economy (GDP), 60% of its energy consumption, 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of the world's waste. Urbanization provides the promise -- oft not fulfilled -- of social inclusion, access to services and new opportunities. However, inequality and […]
4.2 billion people -- over half the world's population -- lack safe sanitation. 3 billion people -- 40% of the world's population -- live without basic handwashing facilities with soap and water available at home. 800 children die each day from diarrhoeal diseases (such as cholera and typhoid) due to poor hygiene, poor sanitation or […]
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is to remember the millions who have been killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads, and to acknowledge the cumulative toll on and suffering of all affected victims, families and communities. Tribute is paid also to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal […]
Plants nurture soil-living organisms -- only 1% of these soil microorganisms having been identified to date (compared to 80% of plant species). This vast world constitutes soil biodiversity -- 25% of the planet's biodiversity -- and determines the main bio-geochemical processes that make life possible on Earth, with this diverse community feeding and protecting plants, […]
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes that there is no universally accepted definition for migrant, and that this word is an umbrella term, not defined under international law, reflecting the common lay understanding of a person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an […]
