You might have already heard the exciting news, but it’s worth repeating: The North American Regional Office of the United Nations Environment Programme has selected Portland as the 2013 North American host city for World Environment Day!  The announcement was made at Portland City Council yesterday.

What does this mean, you ask? Serving as the North American host for World Environment Day (WED) is a great opportunity for Portland’s many sustainability and environmental organizations, events, and accomplishments to be highlighted on the world stage.  It also gives us a little extra reason to celebrate locally.  You can read more about the background on World Environment Day on the City’s new WED website (www.portlandoregon.gov/wed), as well as on the UN’s site. 

How can you or your organization get involved? Environmental events already planned to fall between Earth Day (April 20) and June 5 (World Environment Day) can be added to the WED calendar, or you can come up with your own way to celebrate the day.  Stay tuned on the City Green blog or Facebook for occasional announcements and updates, and check out the WED Facebook page.  

Environmental Services is proud to be working with the Portland Mayor’s office and community partners to help plan and promote World Environment Day.