World Environment Day 2027
The United Nations' principal day for environmental action, led by UNEP and hosted by a different country each year.
Quick facts
- Date
- June 5
- Day of the week
- Saturday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1972 (first observed 1973)
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Hashtag
- #WorldEnvironmentDay
Overview
World Environment Day, on June 5, is the biggest UN day for the environment. Millions of people take part through clean-ups, tree planting, school events and campaigns. Each year a host country leads the celebrations around a single environmental issue.
History
The UN General Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972, on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment — the first major UN conference on the environment, which also led to the creation of UNEP. The first World Environment Day was held in 1973 with the slogan "Only One Earth".
- 1972The Stockholm Conference opens on June 5; World Environment Day is established.
- 1973The first World Environment Day: "Only One Earth".
- 2022Sweden hosts the 50th anniversary, again under "Only One Earth".
Themes by year
Why it matters
The planet faces three linked crises: climate change, the loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution. World Environment Day turns these large problems into practical actions for individuals, businesses and governments.
How to celebrate
Refuse single-use plastic
Say no to plastic straws, bags and bottles for the day — then keep going.
Restore a patch of land
Plant trees or native flowers, or support a restoration project.
Organise a clean-up
Clean a street, park or beach with neighbours or colleagues.
Travel lighter
Walk, cycle or use public transport instead of driving.
Quotes
The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Only one Earth — let's treat it that way. 🌿 #WorldEnvironmentDay
Beat plastic pollution, one choice at a time. #BeatPlasticPollution
Planted, cleaned, cared. 🌱
World Environment Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 5 | Friday | Passed |
| 2027 | June 5 | Saturday | 214 |
| 2028 | June 5 | Monday | 580 |
| 2029 | June 5 | Tuesday | 945 |
| 2030 | June 5 | Wednesday | 1,310 |
| 2031 | June 5 | Thursday | 1,675 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Environment Day?
Every year on June 5.
Who organises World Environment Day?
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), together with a host country chosen each year.
What was the theme in 2025?
Ending plastic pollution, with the Republic of Korea as host.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026