Google's new doodle goes green on World Environment Day
World Environment Day is here, and Google is showing support the best way it knows how: through a colorful, green doodle.
In the doodle, Google's logo grows green and sprouts leaves as a way to highlight World Environment Day, an annual celebration hosted by the United Nations. The day, celebrated on June 5 every year, is designed to promote awareness and action for environmental protection, according to the UN's website. Each year, a theme is chosen based on pressing environmental issues. A host country is also chosen for official celebrations.
This year's theme is connecting people to nature.
2017's World Environment Day comes at a pretty interesting time — less than one week after President Donald Trump announced that he would withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty designed to address climate change. It was a move met with harsh criticism across the globe, particularly from the the U.S.'s northern neighbor — and coincidentally this year's World Environment Day host — Canada.
For today's celebration, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau penned a letter online explaining his country's commitment to the environment, in which he stated that "climate change is real," and said he's proud of the work Canada has done, along with other governments around the world.
"It was an honour to join with leaders from 194 other parties last year to finalize the historic Paris Agreement, which outlines ambitious actions to combat climate change, adapt to its effects, and collectively build a sustainable world," he wrote. "Canada is committed to working with the global community to protect the environment we all share."
Trudeau was one of many world leaders to express disappointment with Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement last week.
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"While the U.S. decision is disheartening, we remain inspired by the growing momentum around the world to combat climate change and transition to clean growth economies," he said in a statement.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron were among those who also criticized Trump's move. Along with Nicaragua and Syria, the U.S. is the only other nation abstaining from the agreement, setting back the U.S.'s efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment in general, experts say.
