Climate Change is Real! What Can We Do Today

By Er. Gargi Mishra

World Environment Day (WED) is a global event celebrated on June 5th to raise awareness and drive action for a healthier planet. Established in 1972 by the United Nations, it has become a significant platform for environmental advocacy, engaging millions of people worldwide in efforts to protect and restore our planet.

The 2025 theme, "Restoring Our Earth: A Collective Responsibility," emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation in reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and combating climate change.

Brazil, the host country for 2025, holds one of the planet's most vital ecological treasures, the Amazon Rainforest, and its role in global environmental preservation is both symbolic and essential. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address environmental challenges and foster a more sustainable future for all.

How did World Environment Day start and Why World Environment Day Matters?

World Environment Day, is the largest global platform for environmental awareness and action. It highlights urgent issues like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, encouraging individuals, communities, and governments to take meaningful steps towards sustainability and environmental protection. Today, the urgency of our environmental crisis is more pronounced than ever, as the planet faces numerous interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus efforts and inspire positive environmental actions. World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard nature and promote sustainable practices, raising awareness, encouraging action, and promoting policy change at local, national, and international levels.

How People Celebrate Around the World

World Environment Day is celebrated in over 150 countries, focusing on maintaining the planet's natural beauty and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. Host cities lead celebrations, showcasing environmental solutions and innovations. Participation from environmentalists, scientists, policymakers, and the public fosters collaboration for sustainable living.

Activities include:

Tree planting and community clean-ups
Eco-friendly workshops and exhibitions
Climate marches and policy dialogues
School projects and public awareness campaigns
Social media drives using hashtags like #WorldEnvironmentDay and #RestoreOurEarth

How does World Environment Day influence government policies worldwide?

World Environment Day is a significant catalyst for policy changes and legislative actions, promoting sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges.
It serves as a platform for policy announcements and commitments, aligning national policies with international goals like the Sustainable Development Goals.
The day also raises awareness and shapes agendas by focusing on specific themes each year, driving changes in consumption patterns and influencing the direction of national and international environmental policy.

Overall, World Environment Day is a powerful tool for promoting environmental protection.

A Collective Responsibility

The success of World Environment Day relies on collective action through policy changes, technological innovations, and small everyday choices. World Environment Day is a day to recognize our responsibility as stewards of the planet. By reducing, reusing, and recycling, we can build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Individuals can contribute by reducing waste, planting trees, conserving water, using energy-efficient appliances, supporting green initiatives, adopting sustainable practices, and spreading awareness. By educating others and promoting sustainable practices, we can work together to reverse environmental degradation and create a greener, healthier world.

Beyond a Single Day: A Commitment to Sustainable Living

While World Environment Day provides an important focal point, its underlying viewpoint is to inspire ongoing dedication to environmental protection.  It's a day to think about our individual and communal impact on the environment, and to commit to more sustainable behaviours in our daily lives.  This involves reducing our carbon footprint through renewable energy, public transportation, and energy conservation at home.

Embracing sustainable consumption: reducing waste, recycling, and making informed purchasing decisions.

Protecting biodiversity by promoting sustainable land use and conservation efforts.

Advocating for policy change: Encouraging governments and corporations to implement environmentally responsible policies.

Educating and inspiring others: Sharing knowledge and cultivating a feeling of environmental responsibility in our communities.

World Environment Day is a global initiative that promotes environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. It's not just a reflection day; it's a day of action, requiring individuals and communities to commit to protecting and restoring our planet. As environmental challenges become more complex, the future depends on our actions today.

The author is an accomplished researcher, holding a Master's degree (M.Tech) additionally PGIPR law. with diverse expertise spanning across fields, including Biotechnology, Genetics, Life science, Clinical research, nutrition, IPR Law, environmental science, bio conservation, Molecular  biology, Computer sc. etc. She has significantly contributed to government Research centres and Universities as well as various private sectors, applying her expertise to address critical challenges and drive meaningful progress.