Earth Day 2024: Why do we celebrate Earth Day on April 22 2024?

EARTHDAY.ORG, in alignment with our commitment to the environment, remains steadfast in our dedication to eliminating plastics for the well-being of both humanity and the planet. We call for a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040, echoing the principles of Earth Day and its mission. Our theme, ‘Planet vs. Plastics,’ encapsulates the essence of Earth Day 2024, fostering widespread awareness of the health risks associated with plastics, swiftly phasing out all single-use plastics, and urgently advocating for a robust UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution. We acknowledge the significance of Earth Day history, date and its role in shaping the global environmental movement. Join us as we work towards creating a plastic-free planet for future generations, honoring Earth Day 2024 and its continued legacy! #EarthDay #PlasticFree #EarthDay2024 #EarthDayDate

World Environment Day

World Environment Day: Celebrating 50 Years of Environmental Action

Introduction In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day (WED). The first celebration, under the slogan “Only One Earth,” took place in 1973 . Over the years, WED has evolved into a global platform for raising awareness about environmental issues such as air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable consumption, sea-level rise, and food security, among others. Furthermore, WED plays a pivotal role in shaping consumption patterns and influencing national and international environmental policies.

2024 Theme: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience

The 2024 edition of World Environment Day will center around land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, nearly 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly impacting half of the global population and jeopardizing approximately half of the world’s GDP, which amounts to US$44 trillion. The frequency and duration of droughts have surged by 29% since 2000. Without immediate action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050 ☀️.

Land restoration plays a crucial role in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a call to safeguard and rejuvenate ecosystems worldwide, critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

2024 Host Country: Saudi Arabia

Each year, World Environment Day is hosted by a different country. In 2024, Saudi Arabia takes the helm, hosting the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2 to 13 December 2024.

2024: Activities in Geneva

World Environment Day, an annual event on 5 June, unites millions of people globally, engaging them in the mission to safeguard and rejuvenate our planet. This year is especially significant, marking the event’s 50th anniversary.

The Community

World Environment Day serves as a worldwide platform to inspire positive change. People from over 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, celebrating environmental action and acknowledging the potential of governments, businesses, and individuals to create a more sustainable world. Since its inception in 1973, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been at the forefront of leading this initiative.

History

World Environment Day sheds a global spotlight on the critical environmental challenges of our era. This UN international day has grown to become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of individuals worldwide actively engaged in protecting our planet?.

Côte d’Ivoire | Solutions to Plastic Pollution #BeatPlasticPollution

In 2024, World Environment Day centered around showcasing solutions to plastic pollution, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive “whole-of-society approach” to combat the plastic pollution crisis ♻️. Following the unanimous approval of a historic resolution to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) aimed at creating a legally binding global instrument to combat plastic pollution, this World Environment Day underscored the availability of solutions. However, it also highlighted the need for more robust and concerted actions to reimagine how humanity designs, produces, consumes, and disposes of plastics, products, and packaging in order to #BeatPlasticPollution.

2022, Sweden | Only One Earth #OnlyOneEarth

World Environment Day in 2022 paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the world’s first environmental summit, the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. Just like that historic gathering, it embraced the slogan “Only One Earth,” shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and restore our planet, our only home.

Slogans on Environment Day

• Go green, breathe clean.
• Stop polluting the environment. Save our planet.
• Think before you trash it.
• If you cannot reuse, refuse. ♻️
• Let us nurture nature to have a nurturing future.
• Better Environment, Better Tomorrow. Save the planet Earth.
• Let us make our planet a better place. Stop polluting.
• Use. Recycle. Reuse. ♻️
• Let us save our environment.
• Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action. ⏰
• Lend a hand to save the planet.
• It’s not yours, not mine. It’s ours. Help protect our Mother Earth.
• The environment is no one’s property to destroy. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect. Let us hold hands to save our planet.
• Trees are the lungs of the world. Plant more trees to help save Mother Earth.
• Keep the oceans blue, the planet green, and the animals safe.
• Raise your voice, not pollution.
• No pollution is the only solution.
• Let us protect our environment. Do the world a favor and show it the change you can make.
• Mother Earth needs you.

Best Slogans for Environment Day?

• Be it big or small, your actions matter. Save the environment.
• Don’t just brood over having a better environment. Start taking control and make a change.
• Pollution is not pretty. Even if you think you are safe, know that you are not. Make people aware.
• Let us hold hands and walk together towards a safe and healthy environment. Save our planet.
• This is the only home we have. Stop destroying. Start protecting our environment.
• Save the environment. The future is in your hands.
• The Earth is yours. Save it.
• Your ‘now’ is not going to be your ‘forever’ if you do not take care of the environment you are a part of. Save Mother Earth. ⏳
• Save the planet. Go sustainable.
• Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.
• Zero waste. Save Earth.
• Please join us to save the world.
• Save Mother Earth. Go green.
• Protect the forests. They are the climate umbrellas of our planet.
• Join the movement. Stop polluting. Save our environment.
• Let our future generations see what we were blessed with. Save the environment.

10 Slogans for Environment Day ?

• Wipe out pollution before it wipes you out.
• You are the key to a cleaner and pollution-free air.
• Love to breathe, save the trees.
• Save the Earth, Save Yourselves.
• Think green. Be green. Stop polluting.
• Conserve what our children deserve.
• Eradicate pollution, Save the environment.
• Stop polluting and start living.
• Prevent pollution, protect nature.
• Plant trees to make our environment pollution-free.
• Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

At the official event hosted by Sweden, a significant commitment was made: no more licenses for new coal, oil, and natural gas extraction. This declaration underscored the global commitment to environmental preservation, and more than 65 million people celebrated World Environment Day online, demonstrating the widespread support for this crucial cause

2021, Pakistan | Ecosystem Restoration #GenerationRestoration

In 2021, World Environment Day centered around Ecosystem Restoration, celebrated under the theme “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” Pakistan played the role of host and illuminated how humanity has been exploiting the Earth’s ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for a global effort to mend the damage that has been inflicted.

Every three seconds, the world loses enough forest to cover a football pitch, and in the last century, half of all wetlands have been destroyed. These alarming facts served as a wake-up call for a concerted effort to restore our planet’s delicate ecosystems and protect our biodiversity.

2020, Colombia | Time for Nature #TimeForNature

In 2020, the World Environment Day theme focused on biodiversity, an issue of utmost urgency and existential significance. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, exacerbated by the rapid destruction of habitats, President Iván Duque Márquez of Colombia stressed that “the time to act is now if we want to assure our present and our future” Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

Fourteen world leaders, including those from Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland, France, and Seychelles, released a statement urging governments worldwide to support a new global goal: to protect at least 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030. This call to action aimed to safeguard Earth’s rich biodiversity for generations to come .

2019, People’s Republic of China | Beat Air Pollution #BeatAirPollution

The theme in 2019 was air pollution, a global crisis responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. Hosted by China, President Xi Jinping expressed his nation’s readiness to share its experience in combating air pollution with the world. China also launched its Air Quality Improvement Report (2013-2018), showcasing successful policies and reflecting on valuable lessons learned .

2018, India | Beat Plastic Pollution #BeatPlasticPollution

The 45th World Environment Day celebration in 2018 centered on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” Over 6,000 people gathered at Versova Beach in Mumbai to join UN Environment Champion of the Earth Afroz Shah in a massive beach clean-up effort, resulting in the collection of over 90,000 kg of plastic waste Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

The Indian government boldly committed to banning all single-use plastics, constituting 70% of marine litter, by 2022. European Union lawmakers also agreed to a ban by 2025, marking significant strides in the global fight against plastic pollution.

2017, Canada | Connecting People to Nature – in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator #ImWithNature

“I’m with nature” was the theme of World Environment Day in 2017, inspiring over 1,800 events worldwide. These events ranged from tree-planting in Mumbai to ivory burning in Angola and even a running race through Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined UNEP’s Erik Solheim in connecting with nature by paddling kayaks along the Niagara River, highlighting the importance of a strong connection to the natural world Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

2016, Angola | Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife Trade #WildForLife

In 2016, World Environment Day served as a launching pad for #WildforLife, UNEP’s largest-ever digital campaign, dedicated to combating international wildlife crime. Host country Angola made a commitment to curb the illegal trading of elephant ivory. This initiative prompted China, a significant destination for illegal wildlife products, to pledge the closure of its domestic ivory market, marking a significant step in the protection of endangered species.

2015, Italy | Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. #ConsumeWithCare

World Environment Day made a powerful impact in 2015 with the theme “Seven Billion People. One Planet. Consume with Care.” It became the most trending topic on Twitter in over 20 countries, highlighting the global significance of responsible consumption and sustainable living.

2014, Barbados | Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level #ClimateChange

“Raise Your Voice Not the Sea Level!” was the theme in 2014, raising awareness about the imminent threats climate change poses to island nations. The following year, small island states achieved a historic agreement at the Paris climate talks, committing to the ambitious goal of limiting the increase in average global temperature to 1.5°C Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

2013, Mongolia | Think.Eat.Save. Reduce Your Foodprint #ThinkEatSave

The theme for 2013, “Think.Eat.Save,” spotlighted the environmental impact of food waste, inspiring individuals to make informed choices and reduce the ecological footprint of food production.

2012, Brazil | Green Economy: Does it Include You? #DoesItIncludeYou?

Returning to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, two decades after the Earth Summit, World Environment Day in 2012 embraced the theme “Green Economy: Does it Include You?” It amplified UNEP’s efforts to establish a more sustainable global financial order. The World Environment Day website recorded over 4.25 million visits, setting a new record at that time Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

2011, India | Forests: Nature at Your Service

In 2011, World Environment Day featured a friendly competition between actor Don Cheadle and entrepreneur Gisele Bündchen, who vied to attract more social media followers. As part of this contest, Bündchen planted the first of 50,000 trees in Rio de Janeiro’s Grumari Municipal Park. Globally, more than 4,000 activities were registered in connection with World Environment Day, emphasizing the importance of forests and nature in our lives.

2010, Rwanda | Many Species. One Planet. One Future

The Legacy Initiative of World Environment Day in 2010 raised over US$85,000 for gorilla conservation and the implementation of solar lighting in villages across the host country, Rwanda. In a global online competition, voters chose names for several baby gorillas, shedding light on their endangered status during the International Year of Biodiversity Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

2009, Mexico | Your Planet Needs You: Unite to Combat Climate Change

2008, New Zealand | Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy

2007, Norway | Melting Ice – a Hot Topic? ❄️

The theme “Melting Ice? – A Hot Topic” marked the start of three consecutive years where World Environment Day focused on climate change. This coincided with the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report, which unequivocally confirmed the warming of the climate.

2006, Algeria | Deserts and Desertification – Don’t Desert Drylands!

A decade after the UN Convention to Combat Desertification took effect, World Environment Day served as a reminder of the pressures on drylands when Algeria hosted the celebrations under the slogan “Deserts and Desertification – Don’t Desert Drylands!” This highlighted the critical need to address desertification and protect arid regions around the world.

2005, United States of America | Green Cities: Plan for the Planet!

In 2005, World Environment Day was held in North America for the first time, with San Francisco hosting numerous events under the theme “Green Cities: Plan for the Planet.” This event coincided with the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol and featured the participation of former United States Vice-President Al Gore and former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

2004, Spain | Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?

2003, Lebanon | Water – Two Billion People Are Dying for It!

The celebrations in 2004 and 2003 raised awareness about marine ecosystems and the global scarcity of fresh water. The theme “Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?” in Spain and “Water – Two Billion People Are Dying for It!” in Lebanon underscored the importance of conserving our oceans and addressing the water crisis, respectively .

2002, People’s Republic of China | Give Earth a Chance

2001, Italy and Cuba | Connect with the World Wide Web of Life

In 2002, World Environment Day was marked by the launch of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The theme “Give Earth a Chance” emphasized the urgency of preserving Earth’s ecosystems. The following year, the theme “Connect with the World Wide Web of Life” encouraged people to recognize their connection to the natural world, with festivities spanning across Torino, Italy; Havana, Cuba; Hue, Viet Nam; and Nairobi, Kenya .

2000, Australia | The Environment Millennium – Time to Act

UNEP introduced a World Environment Day website in 2000, facilitating global participation and creating a sense of international community. The main events took place in Adelaide, Australia, under the theme “The Environment Millennium – Time to Act,” setting the stage for the Millennium Development Goals Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1999, Japan | Our Earth – Our Future – Just Save It!

1998, Russian Federation | For Life on Earth – Save Our Seas

The themes of 1999 and 1998 focused on the urgency of environmental conservation. Japan’s theme, “Our Earth – Our Future – Just Save It!” emphasized the responsibility to protect our planet for future generations. In 1998, the focus was on marine ecosystems, with the theme “For Life on Earth – Save Our Seas” aligning with the International Year of the Ocean.

1997, Republic of Korea | For Life on Earth?

1996, Türkiye | Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home

In 1997, World Environment Day honored Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa with a posthumous Global 500 award during celebrations in Ankara, Türkiye. This recognition highlighted the connection between human and environmental rights. The themes “For Life on Earth” and “Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home” underscored the importance of environmental protection for a sustainable future Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1995, South Africa | We the Peoples: United for the Global Environment

South Africa played host to World Environment Day a year after Nelson Mandela became president, drawing immense international attention to environmental issues. Mandela’s declaration of Cape Town’s Table Mountain as a “gift to the Earth” underscored South Africa’s commitment to biodiversity protection.

1994, United Kingdom | One Earth Day 2024 One Family

1993, People’s Republic of China | Poverty and the Environment – Breaking the Vicious Circle

In 1993, Beijing, China hosted World Environment Day, raising environmental awareness in the world’s most populous nation. The theme “Poverty and the Environment – Breaking the Vicious Circle” highlighted the complex relationship between poverty and environmental degradation. China would again host the event in 2002, this time in Shenzhen

1992, Brazil | Only One Earth Day 2024, Care and Share

World Environment Day in 1992 was held in Rio de Janeiro during the Earth Summit, where landmark treaties on climate change, desertification, and biodiversity were negotiated. The theme “Only One Earth Day 2024, Care and Share” set the course for contemporary sustainable development and international cooperation

1991, Sweden | Climate Change. Need for Global Partnership

1990, Mexico | Children and the Environment

1989, Belgium | Global Warming; Global Warning

The themes in 1991, 1990, and 1989 reflected growing concerns about climate change and the need for global cooperation. These themes were revisited frequently in subsequent World Environment Day campaigns, highlighting the urgency of addressing global warming and its consequences Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1988, Thailand | When People Put the Environment First, Development Will Last

The main celebrations began to rotate globally in 1988, starting in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme “When People Put the Environment First, Development Will Last” aligned with the Brundtland Report’s blueprint for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental concerns in development efforts

1987, Kenya | Environment and Shelter: More Than A Roof

In Nairobi, Kenya, in 1987, UNEP presented the first Global 500 awards, including one to environmental champion Wangari Maathai. These awards became a central feature of World Environment Day celebrations until 2003, recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental protection.

1986, Canada | A Tree for Peace

In 1986, World Environment Day adopted the theme “A Tree for Peace” in conjunction with the International Year of Peace. As World Environment Day’s prominence grew, political and religious leaders, including French President François Mitterrand, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, participated in a global ceremony. They planted trees to symbolize peace and emphasized the interconnectedness of conflict and environmental degradation Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1985, Pakistan | Youth: Population and the Environment

1984, Bangladesh | Desertification

1983, Bangladesh | Managing and Disposing Hazardous Waste: Acid Rain and Energy ☠️

1982, Bangladesh | Ten Years After Stockholm (Renewal of Environmental Concerns)

1981, Bangladesh | Groundwater; Toxic Chemicals in Human Food Chains

These years saw a series of themes addressing pressing environmental issues. Topics included population and the environment, desertification, hazardous waste management, acid rain, energy concerns, and the renewal of environmental concerns. The campaigns raised awareness about toxic chemicals in groundwater and food chains. Subsequently, UNEP’s Governing Council adopted the Montevideo Programme, which prioritized global legislation, leading to significant international agreements aimed at restricting or eliminating hazardous chemicals and pollutants.

1980, Bangladesh | A New Challenge for the New Decade: Development Without Destruction

1979, Bangladesh | Only One Future for Our Children – Development Without Destruction

In 1979 and 1980, World Environment Day embraced the theme “Only One Future for Our Children,” aligning with the International Year of the Child. This marked the first instance of World Environment Day echoing a UN-designated international year, a trend that continued to grow as environmental issues gained prominence on the global stage.

1978, Bangladesh | Development Without Destruction

1977, Bangladesh | Ozone Layer Environmental Concern; Lands Loss and Soil Degradation

In 1977, World Environment Day addressed concerns about the ozone layer, foreshadowing a trend for the day to generate early momentum on critical environmental issues. It took another decade to establish the landmark Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, demonstrating the significance of this early focus Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1976, Canada | Water: Vital Resource for Life

1975, Bangladesh | Human Settlements

1974, United States of America | Only One Earth Day 2024

1973, Switzerland | Only One Earth Day 2024

The early years of World Environment Day featured themes such as water as a vital resource, human settlements, and the iconic “Only One Earth Day 2024.” This slogan, which originated in 1973 when World Environment Day was first celebrated, has continued to resonate through the decades, emphasizing the singular importance of our shared planet Earth Day 2024, its history date, and the year 2024.

1972, Sweden | Stockholm Conference on Human Environment ?

World Environment Day was officially established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly, with June 5th designated as the date. It coincided with the opening day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This historic event also led to the creation of UNEP, underscoring the significance of this day in global environmental history.