View source for World Environment Day

{{Short description|UN awareness effort to protect the environment}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name  = World Environment Day
| type          = International
| image         = Ecologia.jpg
| official_name = UN World Environment Day
| nickname      = Eco Day, Environment Day, WED (world environment day)
| significance  = Environmental issues awareness
| duration      = 1 day
| date          = 5 June
| scheduling    = same day each year
| firsttime     = {{start date and age|df=yes|5 June 1972}}
| observances   = Environment Protection
}}
[[File: Indian Navy - World Environment Day - 2016 (1).jpg|thumb|World Environment Day in India]]

'''World Environment Day''' ('''WED''') is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages awareness and action for the [[environmental protection|protection of the environment]]. It is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, government entities, and represents the primary [[United Nations]] outreach day supporting the environment.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/global-actions-world-environment-day-underscore-urgent-need-protect |title=Global actions on World Environment Day underscore urgent need to protect the planet |date=June 5, 2022 |publisher=United Nations |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.charities.org/news/world-environment-day-2021 |title=World Environment Day 2021 |date=May 28, 2021 |publisher=America's Charities |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref> 

First held in 1973, it has been a platform for [[awareness raising|raising awareness]] on [[environmental issues]]  as [[marine pollution]], [[overpopulation]], [[global warming]], [[sustainable development]] and [[environmental crime|wildlife crime]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telephone Conference for World Environment Day - Part 1 |url=https://www.unmultimedia.org/avlibrary/asset/2685/2685566 |date=Jun 5, 1973 |first1= Jomo |last1=Kenyatta |first2=Kurt |last2=Waldheim |first3=Maurice F. |last3=Strong |first4=Olof |last4=Palme  |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=United Nations UN Audiovisual Library}}</ref> World Environment Day is a global platform for [[public outreach]], with participation from over 143 countries annually, incl. participation from [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[India]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], the [[Philippines]], [[Poland]], [[South Africa]], [[Spain]], [[Switzerland]], [[Thailand]] and the [[United States]].{{cn|date=December 2023}} Every year, the program has provided a theme and forum for businesses, [[Non-governmental organization|non government organizations]], communities, politicians and stars to advocate environmental causes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=World Environment Day|url=https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day|access-date=3 June 2020|website=United Nations|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605092940/https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

== History ==
World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the [[United Nations]] at the [[United Nations Conference on the Human Environment|Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment]] (5–16 June 1972), that had resulted from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. One year later, in 1973, the first WED was held with the theme "Only one earth".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hill|first=Gladwin|date=1973-06-04|title=Environment Day to Mark First Year of World Effort|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/04/archives/environment-day-to-mark-first-year-of-world-effort-fund-is-adjunct.html|access-date=2022-06-07|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

== Host cities ==
World Environment Day celebrations have been (and will be) hosted in the following cities:<ref name=WEDhistory>[https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/world-environment-day-driving-five-decades-environmental-action "World Environment Day: driving five decades of environmental action"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608102209/https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/world-environment-day-driving-five-decades-environmental-action |date=8 June 2019 }}, ''worldenvironmentday.global'', no date; has most theme, some host country and a few host city identifications. Retrieved 17 August 2019.</ref> 
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Theme
! Host city
|-
|1972
|Stockholm Conference on Human Environment
|Stockholm, United Nations
|-
|1973
|
|[[Geneva]], Switzerland<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-06-04 |title=Environment Day to Mark First Year of World Effort (Published 1973) |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/04/archives/environment-day-to-mark-first-year-of-world-effort-fund-is-adjunct.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |last1=Hill |first1=Gladwin}}</ref>
|-
| 1974 || Only one Earth during [[Expo '74]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Proclamation 4296—World Environment Day, 1974 {{!}} The American Presidency Project |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-4296-world-environment-day-1974 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=presidency.ucsb.edu}}</ref>|| [[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]], United States
|-
| 1975 || Human Settlements || [[Bangladesh]]<ref>https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/</ref>
|-
| 1976 || Water: Vital Resource for Life || [[Ontario]], Canada
|-
| 1977 || Ozone Layer Environmental Concern; Lands Loss and Soil Degradation || [[Delhi, India]]
|-
| 1978 || Development Without Destruction || [[Sylhet]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1979 || Only One Future for Our Children – Development Without Destruction || [[Sylhet]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1980 || A New Challenge for the New Decade: Development Without Destruction || [[Sylhet]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1981 || Ground Water; Toxic Chemicals in Human Food Chains || [[Sylhet]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1982 || Ten Years After Stockholm (Renewal of Environmental Concerns) || [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1983 || Managing and Disposing Hazardous Waste: Acid Rain and Energy || [[Sylhet]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1984 || Desertification || [[Rajshahi]], Bangladesh
|-
| 1985 || Youth: Population and the Environment || [[Islamabad]], Pakistan
|-
| 1986 || A Tree for Peace || [[Ontario]], Canada
|-
| 1987 || Environment and Shelter: More Than A Roof || [[Nairobi]], Kenya 
|-
| 1988 || When People Put the Environment First, Development Will Last || [[Bangkok]], Thailand
|-
| 1989 || [[Global warming|Global Warming]]; Global Warning || [[Brussels]], Belgium
|-
| 1990 || Children and the Environment || [[Mexico City]], Mexico
|-
| 1991 || [[Climate change (general concept)|Climate Change]]. Need for Global Partnership || [[Stockholm]], Sweden
|-
| 1992 || Only One Earth, Care and Share || [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
|-
| 1993 || Poverty and the Environment – Breaking the Vicious Circle || [[Beijing]], China
|-
| 1994 || One Earth One Family || [[London]], United Kingdom
|-
| 1995 || We the Peoples: United for the Global Environment || [[Pretoria]], South Africa
|-
| 1996 || Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home || [[Istanbul]], Turkey
|-
| 1997 || For Life on Earth || [[Seoul]], South Korea
|-
| 1998 || For Life on Earth – Save Our Seas || [[Moscow]], Russia
|-
| 1999 || Our Earth – Our Future – Just Save It! || [[Tokyo]], Japan
|-
| 2000 || The Environment Millennium – Time to Act || [[Adelaide]], Australia
|-
| 2001 || Connect with the World Wide Web of Life || [[Turin]], Italy and [[Havana]], Cuba
|-
| 2002 || Give Earth a Chance || [[Shenzhen]], China
|-
| 2003 || Water – Two Billion People are Dying for It! || [[Beirut]], Lebanon
|-
| 2004 || Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive? || [[Barcelona]], Spain
|-
| 2005 || Green Cities – Plant for the Planet! || [[San Francisco]], United States
|-
| 2006 || Deserts and Desertification – Don't Desert Drylands! || [[Algiers]], Algeria
|-
| 2007 || Melting Ice – a Hot Topic? || [[London]], United Kingdom
|-
| 2008 || Kick The Habit – Towards A Low Carbon Economy || [[Wellington]], New Zealand
|-
| 2009 || Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change || [[Mexico City]], Mexico
|-
| 2010 || Many Species. One Planet. One Future || [[Rangpur, Bangladesh]]
|-
| 2011 || Forests: Nature at your Service || [[Delhi]], India
|-
| 2012 || Green Economy: Does it include you? || [[Brasília]], Brazil
|-
| 2013 || Think.Eat.Save. Reduce Your Foodprint || [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia
|-
| 2014 || Raise your voice, not the sea level || [[Bridgetown]], Barbados
|-
| 2015 || Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.|| [[Rome]], Italy
|-
| 2016 || Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife trade || [[Luanda]], Angola
|-
| 2017 || Connecting People to Nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator || [[Ottawa]], Canada
|-
| 2018 || Beat [[Plastic pollution|Plastic Pollution]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nelliyat|first=Prakash|date=21 June 2018|title=Beating plastic pollution|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/beating-plastic-pollution/article24213220.ece|access-date=4 June 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604092719/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/beating-plastic-pollution/article24213220.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>||[[New Delhi]], India
|-
| 2019 || Beat [[Air pollution|Air Pollution]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 June 2019|title=World Environment Day: Beat air pollution|url=https://wmo.int/media/news/world-environment-day-beat-air-pollution|access-date=4 June 2020|website=World Meteorological Organization}}</ref>|| China
|-
|2020
|Time for Nature<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=3 June 2020|title=World Environment Day 2020: Theme, History, Quotes, Celebration|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/world-environment-day-2020-history-theme-quotes/|access-date=4 June 2020|website=S A NEWS|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605092947/https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/world-environment-day-2020-history-theme-quotes/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Colombia
|-
|2021
|[[Ecosystem restoration]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 June 2020|title=World Environment Day 2021: Press Release|url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/pakistan-host-world-environment-day-2021|access-date=11 May 2021|website=UNEP NEWS}}</ref>
|Pakistan
|-
|2022
|[https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/sweden-host-world-environment-day-2022 Only One Earth]
|Sweden
|-
|2023
|[https://www.unep.org Solutions to Plastic Pollution]
|Ivory Coast
|-
|2024
|[https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/theme-host Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience]<ref>{{Cite news|title=World Environment Day 2024: accelerating land restoration, drought resilience & desertification progress|work=UN Environment Programme|url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/statements/world-environment-day-2024-accelerating-land-restoration-drought}}</ref>
|[[Riyadh]], Saudi Arabia
|-
|2025
|Ending plastic pollution<ref>{{Cite web|title=Republic of Korea to host World Environment Day 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution|date=21 September 2023|work=UN Environment Programme |url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/republic-korea-host-world-environment-day-2025-focus-ending-plastic}}</ref>
|South Korea
|-
|2026
|TBC
|[[Azerbaijan]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-27 |title=Republic of Azerbaijan to host World Environment Day 2026 |url=http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/republic-azerbaijan-host-world-environment-day-2026 |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=UN Environment}}</ref> 
|}

== Annual themes and major initiatives and accomplishments ==
For almost five decades, World Environment Day has been raising awareness, supporting action, and driving changes for the environment. Here is a timeline of key accomplishments in WEDs' history:

===2005===
[[File:SFWed2005Maddruid.jpg|thumb|Standard WED banners hung in San Francisco in May 2005]]

The theme for the 2005 World Environment Day was "Green Cities" and the slogan was "Plant for the Planet!".<ref>[http://www.unep.org/wed/2005/en lish/About_WED_2005/ World Environment Day 2005 Official Site, 2005, "About World Environment Day 2005"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519050728/http://www.unep.org/wed/2005/english/About_WED_2005/ |date=19 May 2009 }}, accessed 28 May 2009</ref>

===2006===
The topic for WED 2006 was [[Deserts]] and [[Desertification]] and the slogan was "Don't desert drylands".<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 February 2006|title=UN World Environment Day 2006, in Algiers, to focus on Desertification|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2006/02/168982-un-world-environment-day-2006-algiers-focus-desertification|access-date=4 June 2020|website=UN News|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604044951/https://news.un.org/en/story/2006/02/168982-un-world-environment-day-2006-algiers-focus-desertification|url-status=live}}</ref>

The slogan emphasised the importance of protecting [[dryland]]s. The main international celebrations of the World Environment Day 2006 were held in [[Algeria]].{{cn|date=August 2023}}

===2007===
The topic for World Environment Day for 2007 was "Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?" During [[International Polar Year]], WED 2007 focused on the effects that climate change is having on polar ecosystems and communities, on other ice- and snow-covered areas of the world, and the resulting global impacts.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The main international celebrations of the WED 2007 were held in the city of [[Tromsø]], Norway, a city north of the [[Arctic Circle]].<ref>[http://www.wed.npolar.no/world-environment-day-2007/view?set_language=en Norwegian Polar Institute, World Environment Day 2007–information in English] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601181022/http://www.wed.npolar.no/world-environment-day-2007/view?set_language=en |date=1 June 2007 }} [http://thor.npolar.no:8080/wed and Norwegian]</ref>

Egypt issued a postage stamp for the 2007 World Environment Day.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ministry of State for Environment Affairs (MSEA) celebrations of the World Environment Day 2008| website=sis.gov.eg| date=5 June 2008| url=https://www.sis.gov.eg/newVR/environment/2m.htm| access-date=28 August 2020| archive-date=5 September 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905035320/http://www.sis.gov.eg/newVR/environment/2m.htm| url-status=live}}</ref>

===2008===
The host for World Environment Day 2008 was New Zealand, with the main international celebrations scheduled for [[Wellington, New Zealand|Wellington]]. The slogan for 2008 was "[[CO2|CO<sub>2</sub>]], Kick the Habit! Towards a [[low carbon economy|Low Carbon Economy]]." New Zealand was one of the first countries to pledge to achieve [[carbon neutrality|carbon-neutral]]ity, and will also focus on forest management as a tool for reducing [[greenhouse gas]]es.<ref>[http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=519&ArticleID=5677&l=en UNEP Press Release, 1 October 2007, "Kick the Habit – World Environment Day 2008 to be Hosted by New Zealand with Focus on Fostering Low-Carbon Economies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113205036/http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=519&ArticleID=5677&l=en |date=13 November 2007 }}, accessed 10 November 2007</ref>

The [[Chicago Botanic Garden]] served as the North American host<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.world-environmentday.com/2015/05/world-environment-day-2008.html |title=world environment day 2008 host countries |access-date=22 May 2015 |archive-date=11 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111051237/http://www.world-environmentday.com/2015/05/world-environment-day-2008.html |url-status=live }}</ref> for World Environment Day on 5 June 2008.

===2009===
The theme for WED 2009 was "Your Planet Needs You – UNite to Combat Climate Change", and Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" was declared "World Environment Day Song". It was hosted in Mexico.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.unep.org/wed/2012/WEDThatWas/2009/ | title=WED That Was – 2009 | access-date=14 August 2013 | archive-date=10 March 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310140447/http://www.unep.org/wed/2012/WEDThatWas/2009/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010===
"Many Species. One Planet. One Future", was the theme of 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=Many Species - One Planet - One Future: Conserving Biodiversity – World Environment Day 2010, San Francisco |url=https://thebaumfoundation.org/environment/world-environment-day |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=The Baum Foundation}}</ref>

It celebrated the diversity of life on Earth as part of the 2010 International Year of [[Biodiversity]]. It was hosted in [[Rwanda]]. Thousands of activities were organized worldwide, with beach clean-ups, concerts, exhibits, film festivals, community events and much more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-05-26 |title=World Environment Day 2010 |url=http://www.unep.org/wed/2010/english/media/kwitaizina.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529163224/http://unep.org/wed/2010/english/media/kwitaizina.asp |archive-date=29 May 2010 |access-date=31 May 2010 |website=United Nations Environment Programme}}</ref> Each continent (except [[Antarctica]]) had a "regional host city", the U.N. chose [[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania as the host for all North.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rosenthal |first=Lissa |date=2010-03-22 |title=The New Emerald City |url=https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/the-new-emerald-city/ |url-status=live |journal=[[Pittsburgh Magazine]] |publisher=WiesnerMedia, LLC |publication-date=April 2010 |volume=41 |issue=4 |issn=0194-8431 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405040527/http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/April-2010/Meet-Some-Cool-Green-People/ |archive-date=2012-04-05 |access-date=2024-01-18}}</ref>

===2011===
The theme for 2011 was 'Forests{{snd}}Nature At Your Service'. Thousands of activities were organized worldwide, with beach clean-ups, concerts, exhibits, film festivals, community events, tree plantings<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-07 |title=Club news |url=http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/club-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817165021/https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/club-news |archive-date=2019-08-17 |access-date=2019-08-17 |website=UNEP}}</ref> and much more. It was hosted by India.

===2012===
The theme for the 2012 World Environment Day was ''Green Economy.''<ref name="WED2012">{{cite web |author= |date=31 May 2012 |title=World Environment Day 2012: Let's pledge to make earth a better place |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/the-good-earth/World-Environment-Day-2012-Lets-pledge-to-make-earth-a-better-place/articleshow/13684726.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609084038/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-31/the-good-earth/31920494_1_world-environment-day-united-nations-environment-programme-unep |archive-date=9 June 2013 |access-date=4 June 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

The theme aimed to invite people to examine their activities and lifestyle and see how the concept of a "Green Economy" fits into it. The host country for the year's celebrations was Brazil.<ref name="WED2012"/>

===2013===
The 2013 theme for World Environment Day was "Think.Eat.Save".<ref name="WED2013">{{cite web |date=4 June 2013 |title='Think.Eat.Save' World Environment Day 5 June |url=http://www.unep.org/wed/theme/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604195040/http://www.unep.org/wed/theme/ |archive-date=4 June 2013 |access-date=4 June 2013 |website=United Nations Environment Programme |publisher= |department=}}</ref>

The campaign addressed the huge annual wastage and losses in food, which, if conserved, would release a large quantity of food as well as reduce the overall carbon footprint. The campaign aimed to bring about awareness in countries with lifestyles resulting in food wastage. It also aimed to empower people to make informed choices about the food they eat so as to reduce the overall ecological impact due to the worldwide production of food.<ref name="WED2013"/> The host country for the year's celebrations was Mongolia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-22 |title=Mongolia to host UN World Environment Day 2013 {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2013/02/432612 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210419163608/https://news.un.org/en/story/2013/02/432612 |archive-date=2021-04-19 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=United Nations News}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Umweltfestival 2011 vor dem Brandenburger Tor.jpg|Stage in front of the [[Brandenburg Gate]] on Environmental Festival 2011
File:2011. Городской экологический праздник в Донецке 057.jpg|World Environment Day 2011 in [[Donetsk]], Ukraine
File:Wed on bikes.jpg|US Consul CG Yee, along with the Mayor of Thessaloniki Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, the Prefect of Thessaloniki Panagiotis Psomiadis, and many others participating in World Environment Day on the waterfront bike path
File:Trees planting in Konso.jpg|Trees planting during the World Environment Day 2012 in [[Konso]], Ethiopia
File:Environment Rally.jpg|People in Melbourne celebrate World Environment Day 2011 with a rally to fund renewable energy. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Englart |first=John |title=Conserve our beautiful earth - Melbourne World Environment Day 2011 |url=https://openverse.org/image/bf129b75-7fff-40ec-a336-2bd7a7a5a8d7 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=openverse.org}}</ref>
</gallery>

=== 2014 ===
The Theme of the 2014 WED was International Year of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS). By choosing this Theme the UN General Assembly aimed to highlight the development Challenges and successes of the SIDS. In 2014, the World Environment Day focused on global warming and its impact on ocean levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Environment Day 2014|publisher=Department of Environmental Affairs |url=https://www.environment.gov.za/event/international/2014world_environmentday |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054448/https://www.environment.gov.za/event/international/2014world_environmentday |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 December 2017 |website=environment.gov.za}}</ref> The Slogan of the WED 2014 is "Raise your voice not the sea level", as [[Barbados]] hosted the global celebrations of the 42nd edition of the World Environment Day.<ref>{{Cite news |author= |date=5 June 2014 |title=World Environment Day 2014: Theme, History, Host Country and Observances |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/world-environment-day-2014-theme-history-host-country-observances-1451379 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052212/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/world-environment-day-2014-theme-history-host-country-observances-1451379 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 December 2017 |work=[[International Business Times |International Business Times UK]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=World Environment Day 2014 |url=http://www.icimod.org/?q=13684 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051810/http://www.icimod.org/?q=13684 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 December 2017 |website=International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development}}</ref> The UN Environment Programme named actor [[Ian Somerhalder]] as the official Goodwill ambassador of the WED 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Badore |first=Margaret |date=2014-06-05 |title=Ian Somerhalder named Goodwill Ambassador for World Environment Day 2014 |url=https://www.treehugger.com/culture/ian-somerhalder-named-goodwill-ambassador-world-environment-day-2014.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052140/https://www.treehugger.com/culture/ian-somerhalder-named-goodwill-ambassador-world-environment-day-2014.html |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 December 2017 |work=TreeHugger}}</ref>

=== 2015 ===
The Slogan of the 2015 edition of the World Environment Day was "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care". The slogan was picked through a voting process on social media.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sdg.iisd.org/events/world-environment-day-2015/|title=Event: World Environment Day 2015|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053323/http://sdg.iisd.org/events/world-environment-day-2015/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europa.eu/capacity4dev/unep/blog/vote-your-world-environment-day-2015-slogan|title=Vote for your World Environment Day 2015 slogan|website=europa.eu|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828152445/https://europa.eu/capacity4dev/unep/discussions/vote-your-world-environment-day-2015-slogan|url-status=live}}</ref> In Saudi Arabia, 15 women recycled 2000 plastic bags to crochet a mural in support of the WED 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.unep.org/ourplanet/september-2015/unep-work/world-environment-day-2015|title=World Environment Day 2015 :: Our Planet|website=web.unep.org|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=23 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023013729/http://web.unep.org/ourplanet/september-2015/unep-work/world-environment-day-2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In India, [[Narendra Modi]] planted a Kadamb sapling to celebrate the World Environment Day and raise awareness for Environment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.narendramodi.in/pm-plants-kadamb-sapling-on-world-environment-day-136145|title=PM plants "Kadamb" sapling on World Environment Day|work=www.narendramodi.in|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052511/https://www.narendramodi.in/pm-plants-kadamb-sapling-on-world-environment-day-136145|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.microfinancemonitor.com/why-pm-modi-planted-kadamb-sapling-world-environment-day/33305|title=Why PM Modi planted 'Kadamb' sapling on World Environment Day?|date=5 June 2015|work=Microfinance Monitor|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051955/http://www.microfinancemonitor.com/why-pm-modi-planted-kadamb-sapling-world-environment-day/33305|url-status=live}}</ref> Italy is the host country of the 43rd edition of the WED. The celebrations took place as part of [[Expo 2015|Milan Expo]] around the theme: Feeding the Planet – Energy for Life.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.treehugger.com/culture/italy-hosts-official-world-environment-day-celebrations-expo-milano.html|title=Italy hosts the official World Environment Day celebrations at Expo Milano|work=TreeHugger|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051446/https://www.treehugger.com/culture/italy-hosts-official-world-environment-day-celebrations-expo-milano.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2016 ===
The 2016 WED was organized under the theme "Go wild for life". This edition of the WED aimed to reduce and prevent the illegal trade in wildlife.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sdg.iisd.org/events/world-environment-day-2016/|title=Event: World Environment Day 2016|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730000744/http://sdg.iisd.org/events/world-environment-day-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Angola]] was chosen as the host country of the 2016 WED during the [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP21]] in Paris.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201512141926.html|title=Angola to Host World Environment Day in 2016|date=14 December 2015|work=Angola Press Agency (Luanda)|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=19 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219174429/http://allafrica.com/stories/201512141926.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/angola_to_host_world_environment_day_2016|title=Angola to host World Environment Day 2016|website=climateactionprogramme.org|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105250/http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/angola_to_host_world_environment_day_2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2017===
[[File:Activities for world environment day in Bhopal (8).jpg|thumb|Activities for World Environment Day in [[Bhopal]], India]]

The theme for 2017 was "Connecting People to Nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator". The host nation was Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://worldenvironmentday.global/host-country/canada-natural-heritage-heart-national-identit |title=2017 Host country named as Canada, UNEP, 31 Jan 2017 |access-date=8 February 2017 }}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===2018===
The theme for 2018 was "Beat Plastic Pollution". The host nation was India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/india-raises-curtain-historic-world-environment-day|title=India Raises Curtain on Historic World Environment Day|website=unenvironment.org|date=25 May 2018|access-date=17 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817165555/https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/india-raises-curtain-historic-world-environment-day|url-status=live}}</ref> By choosing this theme, it is hoped that people may strive to change their everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of [[plastic pollution]]. People should be free from the over-reliance on [[disposable product|single-use]] or disposables, as they have severe environmental consequences. We should liberate our natural places, our wildlife and our own health from plastics.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/world-environment-day-2018-live-updates-host-nation-india-focuses-on-beat-plastic-pollution-theme-1862462|title=Host Nation India Focuses On 'Beat Plastic Pollution' Theme|work=NDTV.com|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605034329/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/world-environment-day-2018-live-updates-host-nation-india-focuses-on-beat-plastic-pollution-theme-1862462|url-status=live}}</ref> The Indian government pledged to eliminate all single use of plastic in India by 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/india-aims-to-partner-with-un-to-promote-use-of-solar-energy/articleshow/64476669.cms|title=India aims to partner with UN to promote use of solar energy|date=6 June 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=6 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135950/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/india-aims-to-partner-with-un-to-promote-use-of-solar-energy/articleshow/64476669.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2019===
The theme for 2019 was "Beat Air Pollution". The host nation was [[China]]. This theme was chosen as air pollution causes about 7 million premature deaths annually.<ref>[https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/story/world-environment-day-how-world-came-together-beatairpollution "World Environment Day – How the world came together to #BeatAirPollution"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612143357/https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/story/world-environment-day-how-world-came-together-beatairpollution |date=12 June 2019 }}, ''www.worldenvironmentday.global'', 7 June 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.</ref>

In [[Réunion Island]], [[Miss Earth 2018]] [[Nguyễn Phương Khánh]] from [[Vietnam]] delivered her speech during World Environment Day with the theme "How to fight [[Climate change|global warming]]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoi |first=Dao Van |date=10 June 2019 |title=Hoa hậu Phương Khánh được báo quốc tế ca tụng vì bài diễn văn tại "Ngày môi trường thế giới" |trans-title=Miss Phuong Khanh was praised by the international newspaper for her speech at "World Environment Day" |url=https://www.phapluatplus.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/hoa-hau-phuong-khanh-duoc-bao-quoc-te-ca-tung-vi-bai-dien-van-tai-ngay-moi-truong-the-gioi-d99321.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121175853/https://www.phapluatplus.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/hoa-hau-phuong-khanh-duoc-bao-quoc-te-ca-tung-vi-bai-dien-van-tai-ngay-moi-truong-the-gioi-d99321.html |archive-date=2021-01-21 |access-date=2024-01-18 |work=Pháp Luật Plus |language=Vietnamese}}</ref>

=== 2020 ===
The theme for 2020 was "Time for Nature", and was hosted in [[Colombia]] in partnership with [[Germany]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Environment|first=U. N.|title=World Environment Day|url=http://www.worldenvironmentday.global/node|access-date=4 June 2020|website=World Environment Day}}{{Dead link|date=August 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

[[Biodiversity of Colombia|Colombia]] is one of the largest [[megadiverse countries]] in the world and holds close to 10% of the planet's [[biodiversity]]. Since it is part of the [[Amazon rainforest]], Colombia ranks first in [[bird]] and [[orchid]] [[species diversity]] and second in [[plants]], [[butterflies]], [[freshwater fish]], and [[amphibians]].

=== 2021 ===
The theme for 2021 was "[[Restoration ecology|Ecosystem Restoration]]",<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 June 2020|title=World Environment Day 2021 Date, History, Theme, Significance, Quotes|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/world-environment-day-history-theme-quotes/|access-date=5 June 2021|website=S A NEWS}}</ref> and was hosted by [[Pakistan]]. On this occasion UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration was also launched.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Team|first=BS Web|date=5 June 2021|title=World Environment Day 2021: Theme, ecosystem restoration, pics, and more|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/world-environment-day-2021-theme-images-importance-of-ecosystem-restoration-june-5-environment-crisis-121060500082_1.html|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref><ref>[https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/world-environment-day/#scroll-nav__2 2021 Theme: Ecosystem Restoration] Geneva Environment Network, 31 May 2021</ref>

=== 2022 ===
The theme for 2022 was "Only One Earth" and the event was hosted by Sweden.

=== 2023 ===
The theme for 2023 was "Solution to plastic pollution" and the event was hosted by [[Ivory Coast]]. It is a reminder that people's actions on plastic pollution matters. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of this action. It is time to accelerate this action and transition to a circular economy.<ref>[https://www.worldenvironmentday.global Solutions to Plastic Pollution]. worldenvironmentday.global</ref>

'''2025'''

On '''June 5, 2025''', the global community observed '''World Environment Day''' under the theme '''"Beat Plastic Pollution"''', emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating plastic waste crisis. The '''Republic of Korea''' hosted the official celebrations in '''Jeju Province''', highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative waste management practices. 

The [https://entechonline.com/take-action-against-plastic-pollution-on-world-environment-day-2025/ campaign underscored the necessity for governments], industries, and individuals to transition towards a '''circular economy''', reducing reliance on single-use plastics and fostering sustainable alternatives.

== Celebrations ==
===1981 World Environment Day celebration===
On 5 June 1981, World Environment Day 1981 was celebrated.{{By whom|date=August 2024}}{{cn|date=September 2024}}
 
===2022 World Environment Day celebration===
On 5 June 2022, millions of people in multiple countries across celebrated World Environment Day 2022 despite the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].{{cn|date=September 2024}}

== World Environment Day edition dates ==
 
=== 1981 and earlier ===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Edition number!!Date!!Also known as!!Day of the Week
|-
|1st||5 June 1973||World Environment Day 1973||Tuesday
|-
|2nd||5 June 1974||World Environment Day 1974||Wednesday
|-
|3rd||5 June 1975||World Environment Day 1975||Thursday
|-
|4th||5 June 1976||World Environment Day 1976||Saturday
|-
|5th||5 June 1977||World Environment Day 1977||Sunday
|-
|6th||5 June 1978||World Environment Day 1978||Monday
|-
|7th||5 June 1979||World Environment Day 1979||Tuesday
|-
|8th||5 June 1980||World Environment Day 1980||Thursday
|-
|9th||5 June 1981||World Environment Day 1981||Friday
|}

=== 1982–2021 (Post-1981 and pre-2022) ===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Edition number!!Date!!Also known as!!Day of the Week
|-
|10th||5 June 1982||World Environment Day 1982||Saturday
|-
|11th||5 June 1983||World Environment Day 1983||Sunday
|-
|12th||5 June 1984||World Environment Day 1984||Tuesday
|-
|13th||5 June 1985||World Environment Day 1985||Wednesday
|-
|14th||5 June 1986||World Environment Day 1986||Thursday
|-
|15th||5 June 1987||World Environment Day 1987||Friday
|-
|16th||5 June 1988||World Environment Day 1988||Sunday
|-
|17th||5 June 1989||World Environment Day 1989||Monday
|-
|18th||5 June 1990||World Environment Day 1990||Tuesday
|-
|19th||5 June 1991||World Environment Day 1991||Wednesday
|-
|20th||5 June 1992||World Environment Day 1992||Friday
|-
|21st||5 June 1993||World Environment Day 1993||Saturday
|-
|22nd||5 June 1994||World Environment Day 1994||Sunday
|-
|23rd||5 June 1995||World Environment Day 1995||Monday
|-
|24th||5 June 1996||World Environment Day 1996||Wednesday
|-
|25th||5 June 1997||World Environment Day 1997||Thursday
|-
|26th||5 June 1998||World Environment Day 1998||Friday
|-
|27th||5 June 1999||World Environment Day 1999||Saturday
|-
|28th||5 June 2000||World Environment Day 2000||Monday
|-
|29th||5 June 2001||World Environment Day 2001||Tuesday
|-
|30th||5 June 2002||World Environment Day 2002||Wednesday
|-
|31st||5 June 2003||World Environment Day 2003||Thursday
|-
|32nd||5 June 2004||World Environment Day 2004||Saturday
|-
|33rd||5 June 2005||World Environment Day 2005||Sunday
|-
|34th||5 June 2006||World Environment Day 2006||Monday
|-
|35th||5 June 2007||World Environment Day 2007||Tuesday
|-
|36th||5 June 2008||World Environment Day 2008||Thursday
|-
|37th||5 June 2009||World Environment Day 2009||Friday
|-
|38th||5 June 2010||World Environment Day 2010||Saturday
|-
|39th||5 June 2011||World Environment Day 2011||Sunday
|-
|40th||5 June 2012||World Environment Day 2012||Tuesday
|-
|41st||5 June 2013||World Environment Day 2013||Wednesday
|-
|42nd||5 June 2014||World Environment Day 2014||Thursday
|-
|43rd||5 June 2015||World Environment Day 2015||Friday
|-
|44th||5 June 2016||World Environment Day 2016||Sunday
|-
|45th||5 June 2017||World Environment Day 2017||Monday
|-
|46th||5 June 2018||World Environment Day 2018||Tuesday
|-
|47th||5 June 2019||World Environment Day 2019||Wednesday
|-
|48th||5 June 2020||World Environment Day 2020||Friday
|-
|49th||5 June 2021||World Environment Day 2021||Saturday
|}
 
=== 2022 and later ===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Edition number!!Date!!Also known as!!Day of the Week
|-
|50th||5 June 2022||World Environment Day 2022||Sunday
|-
|51st||5 June 2023||World Environment Day 2023||Monday
|-
|52nd||5 June 2024||World Environment Day 2024||Wednesday
|-
|53rd||5 June 2025||World Environment Day 2025||Thursday
|-
|54th||5 June 2026||World Environment Day 2026||Friday
|-
|55th||5 June 2027||World Environment Day 2027||Saturday
|-
|56th||5 June 2028||World Environment Day 2028||Monday
|-
|57th||5 June 2029||World Environment Day 2029||Tuesday
|-
|58th||5 June 2030||World Environment Day 2030||Wednesday
|-
|59th||5 June 2031||World Environment Day 2031||Thursday
|-
|60th||5 June 2032||World Environment Day 2032||Saturday
|-
|61st||5 June 2033||World Environment Day 2033||Sunday
|-
|62nd||5 June 2034||World Environment Day 2034||Monday
|-
|63rd||5 June 2035||World Environment Day 2035||Tuesday
|-
|64th||5 June 2036||World Environment Day 2036||Thursday
|-
|65th||5 June 2037||World Environment Day 2037||Friday
|-
|66th||5 June 2038||World Environment Day 2038||Saturday
|-
|67th||5 June 2039||World Environment Day 2039||Sunday
|-
|68th||5 June 2040||World Environment Day 2040||Tuesday
|-
|69th||5 June 2041||World Environment Day 2041||Wednesday
|-
|70th||5 June 2042||World Environment Day 2042||Thursday
|-
|71st||5 June 2043||World Environment Day 2043||Friday
|-
|72nd||5 June 2044||World Environment Day 2044||Sunday
|-
|73rd||5 June 2045||World Environment Day 2045||Monday
|-
|74th||5 June 2046||World Environment Day 2046||Tuesday
|-
|75th||5 June 2047||World Environment Day 2047||Wednesday
|-
|76th||5 June 2048||World Environment Day 2048||Friday
|-
|77th||5 June 2049||World Environment Day 2049||Saturday
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Environment}}
* [[Arbor Day]]
* [[Earth Day]]
* [[Index of environmental articles]]
* [[List of environmental dates]]
* [[List of environmental protests]]
* [[United Nations Conference on the Human Environment]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|World Environment Day}}
* {{Official website|https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/}}
* [https://www.unenvironment.org/events/un-environment-event/world-environment-day-2019 World Environment Day 2019]
** [http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/about-us/single-view/news/5_june_world_environment_day_2008/ 2008], [https://sgp.undp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=238&Itemid=253 2009]
* [https://www.unenvironment.org/events/un-environment-event/world-environment-day-2018 World Environment Day 2018 Theme]
* https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/world-environment-day-2025-theme-host-country-history-global-celebrations/
* https://entechonline.com/take-action-against-plastic-pollution-on-world-environment-day-2025/

{{Green politics}}
{{Environmentalism}}
{{Conservation of species}}
{{Human impact on the environment}}
{{Sustainability}}

[[Category:Environmental awareness days]]
[[Category:Global natural environment]]
[[Category:June observances]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1973]]
[[Category:United Nations days]]