World Environment Day – A Special Day for Our Planet

World Environment Day is a global celebration held every year on June 5th. It is a day when people all over the world, including children, come together to learn about the environment and take steps to protect it. For students at Indian Public School, this day is a wonderful opportunity to understand why caring for our Earth is so important and how small actions can make a big difference.
What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day was started by the United Nations in 1972 to raise awareness about environmental problems like pollution, deforestation, and climate change. The first celebration took place in 1973 with the theme “Only One Earth.” Since then, it has become the biggest global platform for environmental awareness, celebrated in more than 150 countries every year.
Why Do We Celebrate World Environment Day?
- To remind everyone that protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility.
- To teach people about the problems facing our planet, such as air and water pollution, plastic waste, and loss of forests and animals.
- To encourage everyone, especially students, to take action and make the Earth a better place for all living beings.
The Theme of World Environment Day 2025
Every year, World Environment Day has a special theme. In 2025, the theme is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” This means the focus is on repairing damaged land, preventing deserts from spreading, and helping the Earth stay healthy even during times of little rain.
What Does This Theme Mean?
- Land Restoration: Fixing land that has been damaged by cutting down trees, pollution, or overuse.
- Desertification: Stopping good land from turning into desert.
- Drought Resilience: Helping plants, animals, and people survive when there is not enough water.
Fun Facts About Our Earth
- The Earth is home to over 2 million animal species.
- Plants, especially trees, make up about 80% of the Earth’s living things.
- Oceans cover nearly 70% of our planet’s surface.
- Even though there are billions of humans, we make up only a tiny part of all living things on Earth.
Why Is World Environment Day Important for Children?
Children are the future guardians of our planet. By learning about the environment now, you can help protect the Earth for yourself and future generations. Simple habits like turning off lights, saving water, and not wasting food can help keep our planet healthy.
How Can Students Help the Environment?
At Home and School
- Turn off lights and fans when not needed.
- Use water carefully and never leave taps running.
- Recycle paper, plastic, and metal items.
- Use reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
- Plant trees and take care of plants in your garden or school.
With Friends and Family
- Organize clean-up drives in your neighborhood.
- Make crafts using old boxes, bottles, or cans.
- Share what you learn about the environment with others.
Fun Activities for World Environment Day
Grow a Plant Together
Plant a seed in a pot or garden. Watch it grow and learn how plants clean our air and give us food.
Trash-to-Treasure Craft
Make something useful from waste, like a pencil holder from a tin can or a birdhouse from a shoebox.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Look for leaves, feathers, or flowers in your garden or park. Learn about how each item is important to nature.
Recycling Relay Game
Sort items into bins labeled ‘plastic,’ ‘paper,’ and ‘metal’ as a fun way to learn recycling.
No Power Hour
Switch off all lights and screens for one hour. Talk about how saving electricity helps the planet.
How Do Schools Celebrate World Environment Day?
- Organizing poster-making, essay writing, and drawing competitions.
- Planting trees and making school gardens.
- Holding rallies and awareness campaigns to teach others about protecting nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is World Environment Day celebrated?
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th.
2. Who started World Environment Day?
It was started by the United Nations in 1972 to encourage everyone to protect the environment.
3. What was the first theme of World Environment Day?
The first theme in 1973 was “Only One Earth”.
4. Why is this day important for children?
It teaches children how to care for the planet and helps them develop habits that protect nature for the future.
5. What can I do to help the environment?
Plant trees, save water, recycle, say no to plastic, and teach others about the importance of nature.
Conclusion
World Environment Day is more than just a celebration. It is a reminder that our Earth needs care and attention from everyone, especially children. By learning, sharing, and acting, you can help make the world a cleaner, greener, and happier place for all. Let’s join hands and protect our environment—not just for ourselves, but for all living things and future generations to come!