Mexico to Host World Environment Day Under the Theme 'Your Planet Needs You'

Mexico City/Nairobi, 22 september 2008-Mexico, a country at the crossroads of the Green Economy and one increasingly in the centre of regional and global affairs will host the international 2009 World Environment Day celebrations.

The theme chosen by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which coordinates the day on 5 June on behalf of the UN system and the peoples of the world, will be 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'.

It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new agreement at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.

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New Zealand's Environment Minister Hands the World Environment Day Torch to Mexico

A message from Trevor Mallard, New Zealand's Minister of Environment I would like to congratulate Mexico and wish them all the best for the hosting of World Environment Day 2009. I hope you have as much pleasure as New Zealand had hosting the momentous occasion this year. Climate change is one of the biggest environmental issues facing the world today, and this year's World Environment Day theme 'Kick the Habit-working towards a low carbon economy', recognised the role all countries play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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