United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says a healthy environment is essential for all people and all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it provides food, clean water, medicines, climate regulation and protection from extreme weather events.

In his message in commemoration of the World Environment Day yesterday under the theme-“Only One Earth”, Guterres said the planet is our only home and that it is vital to safeguard the health of its atmosphere, the richness and diversity of life on Earth, its ecosystems and its finite resources.

He said it is essential that the world wisely manage nature and ensure equitable access to its services, especially for the most vulnerable people and communities.

He indicated that pollution is responsible for some nine million premature deaths each year.