The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has selected Portland to host this year’s North American World Environment Day.

 “Portland has been selected because we at UNEP would like to put the spotlight on the city’s environmental achievements,” said Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, United Nations program deputy director. “Those achievements are reflected in the fact that this city is repeatedly ranked among the top 10 green cities in the United States. In our research, Portland is often rated the No. 1 green city in North America, an impressive accomplishment by any standard.”

The City of Portland, local businesses, nonprofits, community and neighborhood organizations are hosting dozens of events between the U.S. Earth Day on April 22^nd and World Environment Day on June 5^th. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is hosting guided walks and clinics on bike commuting and repair to encourage Portlanders to make sustainable transportation choices. Interested parties and individuals still have time to organize their own event. The City’s web site has tips on organizing your own World Environment Day event.

“Portland is a national leader in many sustainability issues and green initiatives,” Hales said. “It’s gratifying that the United Nations Environment Programme recognizes that and has honored us by bringing World Environment Day to Portland.”

The UN General Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972. Today, it is celebrated in more than 120 nations and focuses international attention on environmental issues. Click here for more information.