About World Environment Day
World Environment Day is the United Nations' flagship day for raising awareness and driving action on the environment, observed every June 5. Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), it is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach, marked by tens of millions of people across more than 150 countries through clean-ups, tree-planting, marches, school activities and policy announcements.
The day was established by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1972, in the wake of the landmark United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm that June — the first major international gathering on the state of the planet. It was first celebrated in 1973 under the theme "Only One Earth", and has since helped build momentum on issues from the ozone layer and toxic chemicals to plastic pollution and climate change.
Each year World Environment Day is hosted by a different country and built around a specific theme, giving the global campaign a fresh focus and a national stage. The date itself never moves — it is always June 5 — so the live countdown above always tracks the next one. Add it to your own page or website to count down to the world's biggest environmental day.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Saturday, June 5, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, June 5, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, June 5, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, June 5, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, June 5, 2031 |
FAQ
When is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day is held every year on June 5, led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Why is World Environment Day important?
It is the UN's largest platform for environmental awareness and action, rallying millions of people worldwide around a different theme each year.
How is World Environment Day celebrated?
With clean-ups, tree-planting, marches, educational events and policy announcements in more than 150 countries, plus a global campaign hosted by a different nation each year.
When did World Environment Day start?
It was designated by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1972, after the Stockholm environment conference, and was first celebrated in 1973.