June 5,2025:
World Environment Day 2025 is being observed across the globe today with the theme “This Planet is Our Home”, highlighting the urgent need to protect and restore the Earth’s natural ecosystems. Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the annual event aims to encourage awareness and action for environmental protection on a global scale.
This year’s focus is on land restoration, combating desertification, and building resilience to drought, issues that have become increasingly critical amid rising global temperatures and extreme weather events. Governments, environmental organizations, schools, and citizens are participating in a wide range of initiatives, including afforestation drives, clean-up campaigns, and educational programs.
In India, the government has launched a massive tree plantation campaign, aiming to plant over 100 million saplings by the end of 2025. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, addressing an event in New Delhi, stated, “Environmental protection must become a people’s movement. Every citizen’s participation is crucial in ensuring a greener, healthier future.”
Various state governments are also marking the day with region-specific initiatives. In Maharashtra, the state forest department has initiated a week-long tree planting program in collaboration with local schools and NGOs. In the northeastern states, awareness rallies and biodiversity exhibitions are being held to promote sustainable living and conservation efforts.
Environmental experts have expressed concern over India’s increasing vulnerability to climate change. The country has witnessed record-breaking heatwaves, erratic monsoon patterns, and frequent floods in recent years, all linked to global warming and ecological degradation. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), urgent measures are needed to limit the average global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.
Global leaders have also acknowledged the importance of the day. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a video message, emphasized, “Nature is our life-support system. When we destroy it, we hurt ourselves. Let this World Environment Day be a turning point for real, measurable action.”
On social media, hashtags such as #WorldEnvironmentDay, #ThisPlanetIsOurHome, and #ClimateActionNow are trending, with individuals sharing personal pledges, photos of clean-up efforts, and messages promoting eco-friendly habits. Several celebrities and influencers have also joined in to amplify the message of sustainability.
Meanwhile, schools and colleges across the country are organizing debates, drawing competitions, and eco-club activities to educate students on the importance of environmental responsibility.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, World Environment Day 2025 serves as a timely reminder that collective action is essential. The theme, “This Planet is Our Home,” urges people everywhere to rethink their relationship with nature and take meaningful steps to safeguard the planet for future generations.
