World Habitat Day is observed every year on the first Monday of October throughout the world. The day is designated by the United Nations to reflect on the state of the cities and towns of the world and the basic human right to adequate shelter. It also aims to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the habitat of future generations.
Currently, more than half of all people live in towns and cities, and this figure is expected to increase to two-thirds within the next two generations.  With the right actions and policies, cities can successfully harness the potential for sustainable living, mitigate inequalities and disparities, and provide a home for people of all ages, cultures and economic means.
By improving access to decent shelter, basic services and safe public spaces, cities can improve the lives of individuals. They can also play a key role in mitigating climate change by promoting energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

Cities and Climate Change
This year’s theme, ‘Cities and Climate Change’, was chosen because climate change is fast becoming a major development challenge of the 21st Century. All of the earth is affected by this phenomenon, and each individual can make a positive difference by adopting simple actions in everyday life.
No one today can really foresee the predicament in which a town or city will find itself in 10, 20 or 30 years time. In this current urban era, with most of humanity now living in towns and cities, it must be noted that the greatest impacts of disasters resulting from climate change begin and end in cities. And cities have a great influence on climate change.
The report, ‘Hot Cities: Battleground for climate change’ from the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, shows that while the world’s cities only cover two per cent of global land area, they account for a staggering 70 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions.
“Cities are responsible for the majority of our harmful greenhouse gases. But they are also places where the greatest efficiencies can be made. This makes it imperative that we understand the form and content of urbanization so that we can reduce our footprint,” said Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Human Settlement Programme. “Understanding the contribution of cities to climate change,” she said, “will help us intervene at the local level. With better urban planning and greater citizen participation we can make our hot cities cool again.”

Background
The UN’s World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme, ‘Shelter is My Right’. Nairobi was designated the host city for the observance that year. This annual event is held on the first Monday of October, with a new theme each year.
An important highlight of World Habitat Day is the ‘Habitat Scroll of Honour’ award, which was launched by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHSP) in 1989. It is believed to be the world’s most prestigious human settlements award, and aims to acknowledge initiatives that make outstanding contributions in areas such as shelter provision, highlighting the plight of the homeless, leadership in post-conflict reconstruction, and developing and improving the human settlements and the quality of urban life.

Symbols
The UNHSP logo and slogan are often associated with World Habitat Day. The logo features a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of an olive tree encapsulating a circle. Within the circle is a figure of a person with his/her arms outstretched. The figure appears to be standing in front of a triangle. Underneath the image are the words, ‘UN- HABITAT’. The slogan: ‘Shelter For All’ is written in capital letters, and sometimes appears next to the logo.

Habitat for Humanity-Guyana
Guyana is one of the many countries that has an affiliate body to Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity-Guyana works to develop communities with people of low income by building and renovating houses. They received official affiliation with Habitat for Humanity International in 1995. In 2003, they also celebrated the completion of the 200th house built and received Habitat for Humanity International’s regional award for achievement in advocacy.
Habitat for Humanity-Guyana is currently working towards the completion of its 500th house and will soon launch the ‘Buy a block’ initiative. As organizations/groups purchase the blocks needed to complete one (1) Habitat House, they will be offered the opportunity to select a home partner and provided with a symbolic house.
Local people from all walks of life volunteer with and can contribute to Habitat for Humanity – Guyana to assist in construction of homes for less fortunate families. If you would like to volunteer or contribute please feel free to contact Habitat for Humanity-Guyana at 225-2676.

Join the rest of the world in observing World Habitat Day. Together, we can all play a role in securing and improving habitats for humanity!
Source:
http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=669
http://www.un.org/en/events/habitatday/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Habitat_Day

You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com