James Baquet There are quite a few interesting and amusing days in June. Let’s look at two groups of them today: ecologically-oriented days and days directly related to helping others. In the first group is World Oceans Day, celebrated June 8. The day was proposed by Canadian delegates to the 1992 Earth Summit, but was not officially recognized by the United Nations until 2008. Today, over 2,000 organizations promote such activities as art contests, film festivals, education programs, and beach cleanups. June 15 is Global Wind Day, which celebrates wind energy by promoting its uses to both children and adults. Over 30 countries on four continents recognized the day in 2011, including by visiting so-called “wind farms” and workshops. By the next year, there were over 250 events all over the world, including a photo contest. The awkwardly-named World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is June 17. Difficult though it is to say, the commemoration points up a serious problem: Climate change and overexploitation by farming are causing more areas of the earth to lose their vegetation, and subsequently their ability to support wildlife. The event has been celebrated since its promulgation by the United Nations in 1995. Now we have some days that focus on the human side of things. June 1 (or shortly before that date) is Neighbors’ Day in some places, though dates of celebration vary widely. It’s a time to get to know your neighbors, and to show you appreciate them, perhaps by bringing them baked goods or sharing a meal together. In a more serious vein, World Blood Donor Day is June 14. Since 2004 the World Health Organization has used the day to promote the giving of blood, and to show appreciation to the many volunteer donors who have contributed to the saving of lives. Far less serious is World Sauntering Day, on June 19. Probably started at a resort hotel back in 1979, it provides a pleasant antidote to the jogging craze of the late ’70s, encouraging people to slow down and enjoy their surroundings, perhaps chatting with a friend. Vocabulary: Which word above means: 1. fad, popular activity 2. cakes, pies, cookies, etc. 3. as a result, following that 4. use beyond what is sustainable 5. promotion; putting into action 6. high-level diplomatic meeting 7. blood vessel, but here, a quality or characteristic 8. plant life 9. walking casually 10. official representatives | 