Global Momentum Builds on World Environment Day 2025 to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Jeju, Republic of Korea – In a sweeping show of global unity, millions of people across continents marked World Environment Day with a common goal: to end plastic pollution and restore ecosystems. The official ceremony highlighted the urgency of ending plastic pollution, a global crisis that affects much of life on Earth.“Ending plastic pollution is clearly a human health, planetary health, economic health and business health imperative.” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at the event.
This year’s spotlight was on the fight against marine litter and plastic waste, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launching a new online Hub. The platform aims to serve as a central source of reliable information on marine litter, plastic pollution, and related topics, while providing a collaborative space for stakeholders around the world.
As part of the day’s key initiatives, the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge—UNEP’s global youth movement—held a special summit in India. The event featured inspiring stories and best practices from young leaders who are leading grassroots efforts to reduce plastic waste. Originally launched in Kenya, the programme has now mobilized over 980,000 youth across more than 60 countries, becoming one of the world’s largest youth-led environmental movements in the battle to #BeatPlasticPollution.
In the United States, the skyline of Chicago was transformed with a striking 245-foot mural titled “Stand Tall”, created by renowned Dutch artist Mr. Super A. Unveiled on 31 May on the Prudential Building, the artwork is part of the global #EcosystemRestorationMurals initiative. Curated by non-profit Street Art for Mankind (SAM) in partnership with UNEP and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project supports the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, aiming to halt and reverse nature’s degradation.
World Environment Day 2025 saw more than 2,500 events held worldwide, with the hashtags #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatPlasticPollution trending across social media. World leaders and global figures also joined the call, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors Jason Momoa, Dia Mirza, Antoinette Taus, and Alex Rendell.