“THE emphasis now is not only to keep our environment clean, but to be able [to] have healthy food sources, and this is where Guyana is heading,” said Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he shared some thoughts on the observance of World Environment Day.Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his office, Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that some of the private sector businesses have indicated that they will embark on a clean-up of the city

and its environs in light of the observance of World Environment Day. He also noted that some members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) started their clean-up from early Friday morning.
“The emphasis now is not only to keep our environment clean, but to be able [to] have healthy food sources and so Guyana is moving into this phase and trying to stimulate food resources and make sure enough attention is paid in this regard,” the prime minister asserted. He contended that persons need to pay attention to their health and to the things they eat.
Nagamootoo continued with his explanation that food will become one of the world’s scarce commodities.”All Guyanese must be aware that part of the environment is the cultivation of food and the proper use of food.”He added that there has been a projection that the world’s population will go beyond 9 billion people and as such, conservation of the world’s commodities must be the highest priority.

“Food resources would become the primary obsession of mankind. Our attitude toward scarce resources must change. We must have a positive attitude towards our environment and our utilisation of our scarce resources, especially our food resources,” Nagamootoo posited.
Every year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) observes World Environment Day on June 5 to raise awareness about environmental issues and to call for action. The UNEP announced the theme of this year’s event as “Sustainable Lifestyles.”
“By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life. Living well within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future,” a statement from the UN stated.