World Environment Day 2025

World Environment Day (WED), celebrated annually on June 5, is the largest global platform for environmental awareness. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1973, WED engages millions of people worldwide in addressing environmental challenges. In 2025, the spotlight will be on the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution—one of the most pressing issues threatening the planet’s health.

Please also read: World Environment Day

Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive environmental problems today. Annually, 11 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems, while microplastics contaminate both soil and water. The costs of plastic pollution are estimated at $300-600 billion each year, affecting biodiversity, climate, and human health. However, plastic pollution is also one of the most solvable challenges, with clear actions such as reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking plastic usage.

Republic of Korea hosts WED 2025

The Republic of Korea will host World Environment Day 2025 in Jeju Province. This marks Korea’s second time hosting the event, after its first in 1997. Over the years, the country has made significant strides in plastic waste management and is a leader in sustainability. Jeju Province, which has committed to becoming plastic-free by 2040, is an ideal location for this global observance.

Please also read: Help restoring ecosystems this World Environment Day

The global impact of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution exacerbates the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and waste. It contributes to the triple planetary crisis: climate change, nature loss, and pollution. The Republic of Korea has been at the forefront of international efforts to address plastic waste, including leading negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty.

How you can get involved

World Environment Day 2025 is a call to action for everyone. You can:

• Join local initiatives: Participate in clean-up campaigns or tree-planting events.
• Embrace sustainable practices: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.
• Advocate for policy change: Support policies that promote sustainable environmental practices.
• Educate and inspire others: Spread awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and encourage eco-friendly habits.

European Wilderness Society role

In addition to individual efforts, partnerships play a significant role in environmental conservation. European Wilderness Society is constantly promotes, takes action and actively participates in projects aimed at protection and restoration of vital ecosystems. The HORIZON research project ALFAwetlands is a prime example of its commitment, focusing on wetland restoration to preserve biodiversity and enhance environmental resilience. In addition, LIFE programme projects, like LIFEstockProtect and LifeApollo2020 as well as numerous educational and nature conservation projects, run in Austria contribute to the priorities, promoted by the World Environment Day. Same is with the Youth Green Conference, which will take place already for the third time, and unites efforts of young Europeans in their input to environment protection.

Furthermore, European Wilderness Society is also maintaining a European Wilderness Network, which represents unique Wilderness across Europe, such as WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands, and WILDRivers. 

Conclusion

World Environment Day 2025 is a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat plastic pollution and protect our planet. With the Republic of Korea leading the charge, this year’s observance highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to tackle plastic waste. As we reflect on the growing environmental challenges, WED serves as a powerful reminder that collective action—at the individual, community, and governmental levels—is crucial for a sustainable future.

These collaborative initiatives, alongside efforts like World Environment Day, emphasise that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. By making conscious choices and advocating for change, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier world for generations to come.