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This feature was developed by Resources for Rethinking to connect students to some of the efforts being made to solve important problems that are affecting our planet. Hot Topics are published during the school year to coincide with the timing of national and international campaigns taking place to raise awareness of these key issues.
Each Hot Topic edition includes links to classroom materials from theResources for Rethinking database that will encourage students and teachers to explore the environmental, economic and social dimensions of these issues and to take action in support of the larger campaign.
Hot Topics Calendar |
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UN International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone LayerSeptember 16 |
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Great Canadian Shoreline CleanupFall 2017 |
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World Food DayOctober 16 |
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Waste Reduction WeekOctober 16-22, 2017 |
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COP 23: UN Climate Change ConferenceNovember 6-17, 2016 |
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World Fisheries DayNovember 21 |
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Buy Nothing DayNovember 24, 2017 |
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World Wetlands DayFebruary 2 |
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World Day of Social JusticeFebruary 20 |
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Earth HourMarch 24, 20188:30-9:30pm |
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World Water DayMarch 22, 2018 |
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Earth DayApril 22 |
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International Day for Biological DiversityMay 22 |
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Canadian Environment WeekJune 4-10, 2017 |
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National Aboriginal DayJune 21 |
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World Day of Social Justice was initiated by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2007 to encourage support for international efforts in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment, gender equity and justice for all. WDSJ provides students and teachers with an excellent opportunity to focus attention on the barriers to social well-being that millions of people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability. This year’s theme “Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice” will have particular relevance for students in many communities across the country.
Why Care About Social Justice:
o Over 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. (WHO)
o There are currently 800 million people who do not have access to safe drinking water. (UNESCO)
o Armed forces in 20 countries are recruiting child soldiers under the age of 18. (Child Soldiers International)
o The tuberculosis rate among Canada’s First Nations ranges from 10 to 30 times higher than that of the population as a whole. (CBC)
o Eighty-two million girls now aged 10 to 17 will be married before their 18th birthday (UNFP).
o One hundred million more women would be alive today if females had equal access to nutrition and health care. (WHO)
o Of the 4.5 million refugees forced to flee Syria, over one million are children. (UNHRC)
o Migrant workers account for 4.4 percent of all workers and have higher labor force participation rates than non-migrants globally
o Most migration today is linked directly or indirectly to the search for decent work opportunities.
o The gap between rich and poor within and among nations continues to grow and promote conflict.
o Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations
o A sustainable future involves meeting the needs of all people.
Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in World Day of Social Justice. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
For More Information visit World Day of Social Justice.
World Water Day was conceived during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Since then the goal of the annual celebration has been to draw international attention to the need for sustainable management of this vital resource. Each year World Water Day places attention on a different aspect of freshwater. This year’s theme, “Nature for Water” focuses on the role natural processes can play in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring everyone has access to safe water by 2030.
World Water Day provides teachers and students with an excellent opportunity to explore the role of water in sustaining life and to become actively involved in water issues within their own communities.
Why Care about World Water Day?
Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in World Water Day. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
For more information and ideas be sure to check out World Water Day
It is expected that 6 million Canadians will join the largest environmental movement on the planet and participate in Earth Day, 2018. Since 1970 Earth Day organizers around the world have celebrated on April 22 by staging events and projects that encourage citizens to address important environmental issues.
Schools have played an increasingly significant role in promoting Earth Day and it is hoped that every child in will have the opportunity to take part in Earth Day activities.
Why Celebrate Earth Day?
Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in Earth Day 2018. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
For more information and activities be sure to check out the Earth Day Canada website.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 to raise awareness and encourage global action on behalf of the environment. This single largest, global celebration of our environment takes place each year on June 5th. In 2017 Canada will serve as host for World Environment Day and using the theme 'Connecting People to Nature’, showcase its natural beauty and its commitment to protecting our planet.
Canadian Environment Week (June 5 to June 11) is celebrated annually during the first week of June to coincide with World Environment Day. Other highlights of this national, week-long event include Clean Air Day (June 7) and World Oceans Day on June 8.
World Environment Day and Canadian Environment Week provide many opportunities for teachers and students to investigate a range of important environmental issues and bring about positive changes within their own communities.
Why Participate in Canadian Environment Week & World Environment Day?
Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in the Canadian Environment Week. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
For more information and activities to support this special week, be sure to check: