Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planeteven in our bodies in the form of microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 called for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.
As United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said in his message for World Environment Day, Plastic pollution is choking our planet harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate... And as it breaks-down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean; from human brains; to human breastmilk. Yet there is a movement for urgent change.
We still do not know exactly what these microplastics do to our bodies, although new research is emerging all the time. We do know that we did not choose to ingest them, said United Nations Environment Director Inger Andersen. We do know that they do not belong there. And we do know that only ending plastic pollution will stop such plastics accumulating inside of us.
Here are 6 key moments from World Environment Day 2025:
A global wake-up call
On 5 June, millions across the globe came together for World Environment Day 2025, uniting around one of todays most pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution. UNEPs #BeatPlasticPollution campaign carried renewed urgency, as evidence continued to mount on the presence of microplastics in ecosystems, food chains and even in human bodies.
The result:
5.2 million visits to the official site
3,000+ registered events in 155 countries
56,000+ top-tier media stories in 56 languages
13 million video views on UNEP channels
812,000 newsletter views
100 million views of UNEP's World Environment Day stickers, with social media content trending across platforms worldwide
Republic of Koreas global leadership
As host of World Environment Day 2025, the Republic of Korea reaffirmed its leadership in global environmental governance, turning Jeju Island into a hub for dialogue, innovation, and international cooperation. Under the theme Shared Challenge, Collective Action, the two-day commemoration moved the global conversation from awareness to policy influence and practical action.
The official ceremony brought together delegates from 19 countries. More than 10,000 participants joined the two-day commemoration. Key moments included:
The Future Generations Forum, where UNEPs Inger Andersen urged youth to lead with science and courage
A ministerial roundtable where delegates from 11 countries explored cooperative strategies
The Korea Environment Initiative Global Forum on bridging science and policy
Launch of the Action for Circular Economy Initiative which aims at delivering practical, scalable solutions to help countries tackle plastic pollution.
Cultural resonance
Artists, actors, and influencers lent their voices to the cause. Their shared message: by listening to natures rhythmscircular, connected, regenerativewe find the answers to tackling plastic pollution and protecting what protects us.
Policy commitments
Policymakers used the Day to announce new measures to combat plastic pollution and advance environmental reforms.
Ethiopia enacted a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags.
Ghana pledged to plant 30 million trees.
India added two wetlands in Rajasthan to the Ramsar list.
Mexico launched a five-year national strategy to eliminate plastic waste from coastlines by 2030.
Nigeria unveiled a national Extended Producer Responsibility framework to support long-term plastic waste management.
Republic of Korea introduced the 3030 Alliance to conserve 30% of its land and seas and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Rwanda opened 24 plastic collection sites, creating nearly 1,500 green jobs.
South Africa launched its first Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan.
Global highlights local action
World Environment Day 2025 proved that change is happening everywhere in schools, public transportation systems, beaches, and boardrooms.
Asia-Pacific
India: Paytm delivered the World Environment Day messaging to 300M users; UNEPs youth summit galvanized youth-led plastic solutions
Thailand: Launched Use Plastic Wisely campaign
China: Tongji University hosted a student conference on sustainability
Fiji & Samoa: Youth training, cleanups, and tree planting supported by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
Africa
Kenya: National tree planting and river cleanups led by Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry
Ghana: Hundreds of schools engaged in the One Child, One Tree initiative
Zambia: Plastic pollution education was integrated into local schools curricula
Democratic Republic of the Congo & Mauritius: Community-led plastic pollution cleanups
Europe
Poland: Closing the Loop conference advanced plastic pollution solutions
Belgium & Geneva: Landmarks lit green, digital billboards reached 18M+
European Union: Intergenerational dialogue on circular economies
Latin America & Caribbean
Mexico City: 225 metro screens aired the Days messages (3.4M daily reach)
Uruguay: Wikipedia contest updated 10+ articles on plastic pollution
Jamaica: UNEP showcased sustainable cities during Environmental Awareness Week
North America
New York: LinkNYC kiosks and Times Squares LG Hope Screen lit up with UNEP calls to action
Toronto: Hosted the Days celebrations with a public awareness campaign across 15 subway stations
YouTube: A viral video from Howtown reached 2M+viewers
West Asia
Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar: Multi-platform outreach across airports, malls, and youth forums
Qatar: Launched national biodiversity database with UNEP support
Looking ahead
World Environment Day 2025 served as a powerful reminder that people everywhere want an end to plastic pollution. Solutions are available and come with undeniable benefits.
The fight against plastic pollution is far from overand it belongs to all of us. The momentum ignited from World Environment Day 2025 will carry forward, continuing to drive action to #BeatPlasticPollution and move us toward a cleaner, healthier world.
For a full report of World Environment Day 2025, visit here.
