International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

Date: November 6th

History:

• Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001.
• Recognizes the damage that war and armed conflict do to the environment.
• A response to fears that environmental damage is increasingly affecting the health and livelihoods of civilians.
• Aims to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of armed conflict.

Traditions:

• No specific traditions are associated with this day, given its focus on awareness and advocacy rather than cultural or festive events.

Activities in the United States:

• Educational events and discussions hosted by universities, think tanks, and NGOs.
• Social media campaigns to spread awareness about the impact of war on the environment.
• Advocacy groups may lobby for stronger legal measures to protect the environment during conflicts.
• Commemorative events at institutions like The Environmental Law Institute or peace organizations may take place.