Day #13: War and the Environment 
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US
Mar. 14, 2024
The Act is virtual
About this Act
Welcome to day #13 of the 2024 Billion Acts Earth Month Campaign! You can visit the main campaign page here! Let us know how you joined today's call-to-action by clicking on "Share and Earn Peace Points" on the right side of the screen. We also welcome you to add your own Earth month events and calls-to-action to the campaign page as well. We're on a mission to reach 1,000 acts by April 22nd!
Within conflict-affected areas, the devastation of war lingers long after the fighting ends. One of these lesser discussed consequences is the widespread damage to the environment. Armed conflict can lead to extreme levels of pollution, deforestation, water shortages, and even leftover munitions. These environmental hazards place further health and safety risks on those living amidst war.
Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines know well the environmental toll of leftover munitions like landmines. “The Mine Ban Treaty” that she championed at the United Nations had led to a drastic decrease in the use of anti-personnel landmines worldwide. Anti-personnel landmines can remain active for decades after a war ends, continuing to harm people and wildlife.
In Ukraine, thousands of youth are already committing to cleaning up and rebuilding conflict-afflicted regions. Repair Together, a grassroots group of youth leaders has been rebuilding villages in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine since the moment it was liberated from the Russian troops. They work together with locals, authorities, and volunteers to clear debris, clean the surrounding environment, and rebuild homes. The 2500+ volunteers have already cleaned 15 different communities. All the while, the youth find ways to detress and find joy by dancing to music and even hosting concerts together.
Education:
- Climate Action Offers a Hidden Peace Dividend Tawakkol Karman & Patrick Verkooijen
- Young Ukrainians Volunteer to Rebuild Homes - and Make it Fun
- How Nature Becomes a Casualty of War
- What is the Link Between Climate Change & Conflict
- From Conflict to Peacebuilding - The role of Natural Resources and the Environment
Action:
- Explore the photo-exhibit of Repair Together and their work at repair-together.org.
- Donate to Repair Together in support of their work in war-torn communities in Ukraine.
- Promote the 2025 Completion Challenge for governments to meet their major obligations for the Mine Ban Treaty by 2025.
- Share your vision for a World Without Landmines!
Focus Areas:
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You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.
Leymah Gbowee