World Environment Day 2025, Theme, Host Country, History

World Environment Day 2025 will be hosted by the Republic of Korea, urges global unity to end plastic pollution. World Environment Day raises global awareness for sustainable action.

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May 24, 2025

World Environment Day is the United Nations’ premier platform for encouraging global awareness and action for the environment. Celebrated every year on June 5, this important observance has become a cornerstone of international environmental advocacy, with the support of more than 150 countries and millions of people engaging both online and on the ground. World Environment Day 2025 promises to be a defining moment in the planet’s fight against one of its most visible and harmful enemies—plastic pollution.

World Environment Day 2025

This year, World Environment Day 2025 will be celebrated on June 5, under the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”. It is a worldwide commitment to fight plastic waste.

The world generates over 430 million tonnes of plastic every year, with two-thirds of it being used once and then discarded. These short-lived products clog our rivers and oceans, infiltrate food chains, and even accumulate in our bodies as microplastics. The annual environmental and social cost of plastic pollution is estimated between US$300 billion to US$600 billion.

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World Environment Day 2025
Aspect Details
Event Name World Environment Day 2025
Date June 5, 2025
Theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”
Primary Focus Eradicating plastic waste and microplastic pollution
Host Country Republic of Korea
Organized By United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Significance Largest global platform for environmental awareness and action
Key Issues Addressed in 2025 Plastic pollution, marine waste, sustainable production & consumption, circular economy
Notable Activities Tree plantation, plastic clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, creative competitions, social media outreach
Global Treaty Context Aligns with ongoing negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution under UNEA resolution 5/14

Why World Environment Day is Celebrated

World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly, with the first official celebration taking place in 1973. The date marks the beginning of the historic Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first major international meeting on environmental issues, where the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was born. Since then, it has served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Also Read: Important Days In June 2025

World Environment Day 2025 Theme

The theme of World Environment Day 2025 is “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” This campaign underscores the pervasive impact of plastic waste, from polluting oceans and waterways to infiltrating our food systems in the form of microplastics. The goal is to #BeatPlasticPollution by encouraging people, governments, and organisations to rethink their relationship with plastic and adopt sustainable practices.

Also Read: List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List

World Environment Day 2025 Host Country

The Republic of Korea has been chosen as the World Environment Day 2025 host country. This marks Korea’s second time hosting the event, the first being in 1997 with the theme “For Life on Earth.” The country has since emerged as a global leader in sustainability, particularly in tackling plastic waste through full life-cycle plastic strategies that encompass production, consumption, reuse, and recycling.

Jeju Province, the host location, exemplifies Korea’s environmental commitment. Jeju aims to become plastic-free by 2040 and has already implemented unique policies like mandatory waste separation and a disposable cup deposit system, promoting community-wide participation in waste reduction.

Why Plastic Pollution?

Plastic pollution represents one of today’s most pervasive environmental issues. Plastics litter the ocean, enter the food chain, and damage ecosystems, harming wildlife and human health. Microplastics—tiny fragments—are found in drinking water, the air we breathe, and even in human organs. Yet, it’s also among the most solvable crises. Real-world solutions exist—like banning single-use plastics, investing in circular economies, and enhancing recycling systems.

World Environment Day

The World Environment Day 2025 theme emphasises systemic change—from production and design to reuse and recycling—to curb the global plastic flood.

How You Can Get Involved in World Environment Day 2025

World Environment Day 2025 is a powerful call to action against plastic pollution—and your participation matters. There are countless ways to contribute to this year’s mission of ending plastic pollution globally. Here are a few ways anyone can get involved:

  1. Join a Local Clean-Up Drive: Participate in community events to remove plastic waste from parks, beaches, and rivers.
  2. Adopt Sustainable Habits: Switch to reusable items and say no to single-use plastics. Every small choice counts.
  3. Educate and Advocate: Use your voice to spread awareness. Share facts on social media, organise an eco-awareness event, or hold a local workshop.
  4. Register Your Event: Add your activity to the World Environment Day 2025 global map and inspire others to act.
  5. Celebrate Through Creativity: From eco-art exhibitions to green festivals, creative expressions can ignite powerful conversations.

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Conclusion

World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding the planet is a shared responsibility. As we approach June 5, World Environment Day 2025 stands as a historic opportunity to confront one of the most visible symbols of environmental harm—plastic pollution.

With the theme of World Environment Day 2025 centering on global action against plastic, and the Republic of Korea stepping up as host, this year’s observance holds the promise of real, transformative change. Whether through a personal commitment, community action, or global policymaking, each of us has a role to play.

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World Environment Day 2025 FAQs

The theme of World Environment Day 2025 is “ending plastic pollution globally,” focusing on eradicating plastic waste for a healthier planet.

June 5 marks the establishment of World Environment Day by the UN in 1972 to promote global awareness and action for environmental protection.

The first World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5, 1973, following its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.

World Environment Day is celebrated to inspire worldwide awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment and natural resources.

The Republic of Korea is the World Environment Day 2025 host country, chosen for its leadership in combating plastic pollution.

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