Every year on June 5, people worldwide observe World Environment Day. It's a crucial reminder that we must protect our surroundings, or face severe consequences like higher medical costs, reduced productivity, increased poverty and societal decline.

While many awareness campaigns by governments and NGOs are largely superficial, a small part of society genuinely participates with limited resources. In contrast, wealthier groups often spend significantly to lead commemorative efforts, leveraging their financial power.

Notably, over the past twenty years, there's been almost a tenfold increase in social engagement on this day. This resurgence echoes the original environmental pledge made in the early 1970s, which aimed to renew humanity's commitment to protecting and conserving our environment.

When the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established this day for global environmental commemoration, climate change was only just emerging. At that time, temperatures in the Global South weren't as extreme as they are today, especially for the large populations already living with limited resources.

In June, many southern South Asian cities now experience temperatures consistently above 40 degrees Celsius. Consequently, most awareness activities for this day are held indoors.

Those who can't afford air conditioning must rely on fans, bearing the brunt of their marginalised status. In contrast, those who can afford air-conditioned venues — often from government or business sectors........

© The Express Tribune