United Nations World Environment Day is one of the most important events
on the international environmental calendar. California and San Francisco
are honored to be the first hosts in the United States for World Environment
Day.
The
environment is an essential part of the California experience. The state's
stunning beauty lies in its diverse natural wonders and resources.
I am passionately committed to defending California's environment, and
providing real leadership to protect our precious land, air and water.
Here
in California, we have rejected the notion that we must choose between
protecting the environment, and protecting jobs and economic growth.
We know that if our beaches are soiled by oil spills, tourists will
not experience the wonders of our magnificent coastline. If we log our
forests
irresponsibly, streambeds will be destroyed and our fishing industry
will suffer.
But,
California is not alone in facing this challenge. If we are going to
leave a better planet for generations to come, we must work within a
global effort to ensure the economy and the environment never become
competing interests.
United
Nations World Environment Day will help us focus on these critical issues,
but there is an added significance to the event coming to San Francisco.
Sixty
years ago, the United Nations was born in the City by the Bay. Representatives
from fifty-one countries committed to preserving peace through international
cooperation and collective security founded the United Nations at the
1945 charter convention in San Francisco.
Today,
nearly every nation in the world belongs to the United Nations. Together,
members work to maintain international peace, develop friendly relations,
cooperate in solving international problems, and promote respect for
human rights.
As
the nations of the world meet this week in San Francisco, we can add
another great principle to the list: working together to build a sustainable
future and a healthy respect for our planet.
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