NZ chosen to host world environment day 2008

New Zealand has been chosen to host World Environment Day 2008, the United Nations has announced.

The focus of the event will be on solutions and opportunities for countries, companies and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle.

"New Zealand is among a pioneer group of countries committed to accelerating a transition to a low carbon and carbon-neutral economy," UN Under-Secretary General Achim Steiner said in a statement.

"We are therefore delighted to be holding the main celebrations in Wellington and in communities across this South Pacific nation."

World Environment Day was established by the UN in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

It is held on June 5 each year in a different city.

- NZPA