The Origin
World Environment Day, observed annually on the fifth of June, promotes global initiatives towards environmental conservation and a goal of a sustainable future. This day recognizes society’s responsibility to protect Earth against environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, ocean acidification, etc. This day was established in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly in the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and was celebrated in 1973 for the first time. Since then, World Environment Day has acted as a powerful worldwide platform for public outreach on environmental issues with participation from several prominent countries (for example, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, etc). Each year, a different country hosts the day and sets a theme that directly correlates with environmental advocacy.
Importance of the Day
Environmental issues, notably climate change, have been nothing but destructive to Earth. Research done by climate organizations show that of the millions of tonnes of plastic produced each year, only around ten percent is recycled, meaning that the rest rots away in landfills. Millions of tonnes of plastic also end up in oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas, damaging aquatic ecosystems and coral reefs. Globally, many people unwittingly consume plastic through microplastics. Countries are striving to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius this century, which can only happen if everyone halves their greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. World Environment Day is a reminder of the environmental action that must be taken annually.
Theme for 2025
The theme for 2025 for World Environment Day is to beat plastic pollution, which the United Nations Environment Programme is leading. This theme seeks to emphasize the research done to prove the negative effects of plastic pollution and the positive effects of reusing, reducing plastic consumption, and recycling. South Korea is the host country for World Environment Day 2025. By managing plastic pollution, countries hope Sustainable Development Goals can be reached.
UNESCO BMW’s Involvement
UNESCO BMW has always been an outstanding advocate for environmental action. One of UNESCO BMW’s main initiatives is the promotion of environmental sustainability. We garden regularly in Frederick, Maryland (our headquarters). We have also adopted a road in Frederick as part of the Adopt-a-Road campaigns to motivate civilians to be responsible for the cleanliness of a road. We also have given lectures on eco-friendly strategies anyone at any age can implement in their lives and support eco-friendly companies.
UNESCO BMW’s Vision
Our vision centers around making our communities healthier through eco-friendly decisions such as a cut-back on plastic consumption, an increase in recycling, and sponsoring eco-companies. We strive to support all initiatives focused on biodegradable concepts that encourage resilience in hopes of creating a unified nation all set to work together towards a sustainable future. We are open to everyone to join our programs on the education of the environment, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, etc, to preserve our world for future generations.
By: Vallerie Kalekar
Sources:
- https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-environment-day-2025/
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day
- https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/world-environment-day-2025
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Environment_Day
- https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
- https://unescobmw.org/eco-system-friendly-choices/
- https://www.unep.org/beatpollution/beat-plastic-pollution