🌍 What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated every year on June 5. It is the biggest international day for the environment, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It’s a global platform for public outreach that is celebrated by millions of people across the world, involving governments, businesses, celebrities, and citizens to focus attention on pressing environmental issues
📜 History and Origin
Started in 1972, during the first major conference on environmental issues — the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment — held in Stockholm, Sweden from June 5 to 16, 1972.
That conference led to the formation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In 1973, the first World Environment Day was celebrated with the theme "Only One Earth".
🎯 Objectives of World Environment Day
Raise global awareness about environmental issues.
Encourage action to protect nature and the planet.
Mobilize political will and inspire communities to act.
Promote sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns.
Highlight environmental challenges like climate change, deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and plastic waste.
🌿 Why is it Important?
Our planet faces critical environmental threats, including:
Global warming and climate change
Air and water pollution
Plastic waste in oceans
Deforestation
Wildlife extinction
Land degradation
World Environment Day acts as a reminder of our duty to protect the Earth. It encourages people to participate in activities such as tree planting, clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, policy reforms, etc
📌 World Environment Day Themes (Recent Years)
Each year, UNEP selects a theme and a host country:
Year Theme Host Country
2025 (To be announced) (TBA)
2024 Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience Saudi Arabia
2023 Solutions to Plastic Pollution Côte d'Ivoire
2022 Only One Earth (50th anniversary) Sweden
2021 Ecosystem Restoration Pakistan
2020 Biodiversity