October 4: World Habitat Day

World Habitat Day was observed on October 4, 2021. This day is an initiative of United Nations.

Highlights

• This day is observed with the aim of promoting the basic right of adequate shelter and housing for everyone across the world which is densely populated and have been affected due to rapid urbanisation.
• This day is observed on the first Monday of October, every year.

Theme of the day

The World Habitat Day this year was observed under the theme “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”.

History of the day

The decision to observe World Habitat Day annually was taken in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Following the decision, the first World Habitat Day was observed in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986 on the theme “ ‘Shelter is my right’.

Significance of the day

• The observance of such day is significant in the light that, population density (diversity), poverty, climate crisis and natural disasters have posed a threat to the quality of living.
• There is a lack of proper building techniques. Poor infrastructure has led to crisis, insecurity, and chaotic situations.
• Unplanned cities, rapid urbanisation and its adverse effects on the environment led to several other problems such as shelter crisis.
• 70% of the global carbon dioxide emissions comes from the urban greenhouse gas emissions.
• Thus, the day becomes significant to find a solution and to come up with appropriate shelter provisions.
• The day also aims to develop actionable zero-carbon plans.
• The day also highlights the difficulties faced by homeless.

UN habitat honour award

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, in the year 1989, had introduced the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in a bid to encourage countries in finding a solution for habitat problems.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021