Each year, the observation is the same : the climate crisis is more and more prominent and touches ecosystems, human health and biodiversity, threatening the life of our generation, as well as future generations. This is why a global and worldwide action was essential. World Environment day offers the possibility of getting together in order to act collectively.
World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5 every year since 1973, is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, it has grown to be the largest platform for environmental outreach. Historically, in 1972, the UN General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environmental Day, marking the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
This Environmental Day engages a vast global audience across more than 150 countries in tackling environmental challenges. Each year, a main topic is used as a focus for the day. In 2024, hosted by Saudi Arabia, the spotlight was on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. In 2023, in Côte d’Ivoire, the World Environment Day focuses on showcasing solutions to plastic pollution with the necessity to have a “whole-of-society approach”.
Today, in 2025, the World Environment Day is hosted by South Korea, with a focus on ending plastic pollution with the necessity to eradicate plastic waste, a widespread environmental problem that impacts ecosystems and human health all around the globe.
This day permits to act as a powerful reminder that each action, no matter how small, counts. Therefore, this event promotes global awareness of environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution and climate change, along with community engagement, policy level discussion and finally, it engages youth participation.
The Youth Green Compass Project aligns perfectly with the importance of this World Environmental Day. Youth Green Compass prepares youth people to be at the heart of environmental action in Europe. To do so:
- Young people will be prepared to take eco-responsible initiatives to promote environmental protection, well-being of citizens.
- Educational resources will be helpful to raise awareness about sustainability and environment among youth people.
- The project and this day open space for active participation of youth in the framework of the European Green Deal.
As an individual, you can participate at your level in different ways to join the Environment Day movement. It goes from switching to reusable products to stop using single-use plastic to hosting or joining a local clean-up event. You can also support small eco-friendly businesses on a daily basis. In any case, every single action matters.
Today it’s the perfect day for young people to contribute to a greener, more inclusive and more sustainable Europe !