World Environment Day: A global campaign for a greener future

Current Affairs

TNS

Chandigarh, Updated At : 08:10 PM Jun 05, 2025 IST

Children participate in an activity to spread awareness on World Environment Day, in Bikaner on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is the United Nations’ principal platform to encourage global awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Launched in 1973, World Environment Day has since evolved into a mass movement observed by over 143 countries, uniting governments, civil society, businesses and individuals in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

For civil services aspirants, understanding World Environment Day is critical as it intersects key governance themes — environmental ethics, climate policy, international cooperation and sustainable development.

Historical Background

World Environment Day was established in 1972 following deliberations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment (June 5-16, 1972) — the first major global conference to address the interdependence of humans and nature. This conference also led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972.

The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973, under the theme “Only One Earth”, echoing the Stockholm message and laying the ideological foundation of global environmentalism.

2025: Theme and host

Theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution”

The 2025 theme underscores the mounting ecological and health threats posed by plastic waste, which contaminates oceans, soils and the food chain. The theme also aligns with the UNEP’s efforts to develop a legally binding global plastics treaty by 2025.

Host Country: South Korea

Organisational framework

World Environment Day is organised annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP coordinates global activities, mobilises stakeholder engagement and reports on environmental trends.

Stakeholders involved:

•Governments: Formulate and revise environmental policies.

•NGOs and CSOs: Launch community-based actions.

•Corporates: Engage in sustainable practices via ESG frameworks.

•Individuals: Participate through awareness campaigns, clean-up drives and behavioural changes.

Linkages with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

World Environment Day intersects with multiple SDGs, making it a strategic tool for implementing the 2030 Agenda:

SDG: Focus Area: World Environment Day relevance

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption: Reducing plastic use and promoting circular economy

SDG 13: Climate Action: Advocating ecosystem-based mitigation and adaptation

SDG 14: Life Below Water: Tackling marine pollution from plastics

SDG 15: Life on Land: Preventing land degradation and biodiversity loss

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities: Promoting green infrastructure and waste segregation

India’s engagement with World Environment Day

India has been an active participant in World Environment Day observances, hosting the event in 2018 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” The occasion catalysed:

•Strengthening of plastic bans in multiple states

•Community-driven clean-up campaigns under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

•Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and Panchayats

In addition, India’s flagship initiative LiFE — Lifestyle for Environment, launched at COP26, echoes the ethos of WED by promoting environmentally responsible consumption patterns.

Civil services relevance

World Environment Day is deeply embedded in several areas of the civil services syllabus:

•GS Paper III: Environmental pollution, degradation and environmental conservation strategies

•GS Paper II: International relations and treaties like the Paris Agreement, Basel Convention and UNEP mandates

•GS Paper IV (Ethics): Environmental ethics, intergenerational equity and climate justice

•Essay Paper: Suitable for themes like “Man-Nature Relationship,” “Sustainable Development,” or “Environment as a Global Common.”

Key facts for prelims and mains

Aspect: Details

First World Environment Day: 1973; Theme: Only One Earth

Organising Body: UNEP

2025 Host: South Korea

2025 Theme: Ending Plastic Pollution

World Environment Day origin: Stockholm Conference, 1972

Quotes to Remember

“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.” — Margaret Mead

“The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Conclusion

World Environment Day is more than a symbolic observance — it is a strategic lever for environmental diplomacy, national policy innovation, and behavioural transformation. For civil servants and aspirants, it reinforces the imperative to balance development and sustainability, and serves as a call to action to embed environmental thinking in every layer of governance.

By internalising the spirit of World Environment Day, future administrators can play a decisive role in building an ecologically resilient and socially inclusive India.

World Environment Day: A global campaign for a greener future

Ravneet Kaur

TNS

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