World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day marks the establishment in 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (though it had been around since 1873). The 2021 theme is The Ocean, our climate and weather. The Ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, provides vital resources, is the major driver of the world’s weather and climate […]

Desertification and Drought Day

Desertification and Drought Day (previously known as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought) is to combat desertification and to achieve land degradation neutrality through problem-solving, strong community involvement and cooperation. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes the intent to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural […]

World Tsunami Awareness Day

Tsunamis are giant ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. As the waves travel inland (sometimes at the speed of a jet plane), they get higher and higher as the depth of the ocean decreases. Though rare, tsunamis can be extremely deadly. The Indian Ocean tsunami (December 2004), for example, caused […]