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A deputy Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA,) Mrs. Cindy Baidoo, has highlighted the need to increase awareness on the effect of climate change and minimisation of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Speaking at a durbar organised by Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., to climax the celebration of World Environment Day 2014, she indicated that environmental degradation puts �our future at risk.� World Environmental Day, which is celebrated on June 5 every calendar year, was initiated by the United Nations to promote worldwide awareness and action for environmental protection. Mrs. Baidoo noted that even though the day was celebrated globally, on the theme; �Small Islands Development States (SIDS) Raise your voice, not the sea,� Ghana�s theme was narrowed to �Greening our Environment to Save Ghana.� She said this year�s event was marked with the planting of over 2,000 trees to minimise carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The trees, which were planted on a 50-acre land acquired by the EPA at Danfa, in the La Nkwantanang Municipality, christened the �Green City Complex,� was to lessen the effect of climate change, and also intensify public knowledge in protecting the environment. She called on Ghanaians to desilt gutters and stop indiscriminate disposal of waste, especially in the wake of the rains. This, she opined, will help avoid flooding. Acting Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., Mr. Emmanuel Okyere Okomeng, encouraged parents to inculcate in children the habit of keeping the environment safe. Citing the recent floods witnessed in some parts of Accra as a resultant effect of global warming, he mentioned the need to take on environmental protection as a responsibility to society. Mr. Okomeng intimated that it is the responsibility of all individuals to maintain high standards of sanitation, advocating behavioural change as a means to mitigate environmental challenges. The Adentan Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Veronica P. Adzato Ntem, who chaired the occasion, said it was imperative to educate children on keeping safe environments. She stated that environmental sanitation is key to improving the health of the nation and encouraged students to always ensure clean, safe and healthy environments. The Zoomkids Club is a student wing of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., dedicated to bringing students together to foster positive action on environmental protection. Five schools including Danfa Methodist Basic School, Baba Yara JHS, Pentecost Schools, Sowa Dinn Basic School and Oyibi Basic School participated in the event. The students demonstrated their commitment to environmental protection through poetry recitals and sketches.