2024-12-10
Diaries ahoy! As we step into 2025, it’s time to mark our calendars with key environmental, sustainability, and green events that encourage global action and awareness. Each month offers unique opportunities to connect with global movements and causes. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the awareness dates in the first half of the year to help you plan your activities and align with initiatives that matter…
January
Davos (20-24): The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos brings together global leaders to discuss critical issues, including climate change, sustainability, and environmental innovation. Keep an eye on outcomes that shape policies worldwide.
International Day of Clean Energy (26): The International Day of Clean Energy was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
February
World Wetlands Day (2): This day raises awareness about the importance of wetlands, ecosystems critical for biodiversity, water filtration, and flood protection. Participate in local wetland conservation activities or online educational campaigns.
International Polar Bear Day (27): Organised by Polar Bears International, this event is celebrated on the same date every year to coincide with the time period when polar bear mothers and cubs are sleeping in their dens, and to raise awareness about the impact of global warming and reduced sea ice on polar bear populations.
March
World Wildlife Day (3): A celebration of the diverse flora and fauna that enrich our planet, this day promotes the conservation of endangered species. Consider visiting a wildlife sanctuary or supporting conservation organisations.
Global Recycling Day (18): The mission of Global Recycling Day, as set out by the Global Recycling Foundation, is to tell world leaders that recycling is simply too important not to be a global issue, and that a common, joined up approach to recycling is urgently needed. And also to ask people across the planet to ‘think resource, not waste’.
International Day of Forests (21): A UN initiative, each year, various events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations.
National Renewable Energy Day (21): This awareness day highlights the critical role of renewable energy in powering a sustainable future. It underscores the need for eco-friendly energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
World Water Day (22): The annual United Nations observance day highlights the importance of fresh water.
Earth Hour (22): Organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the event is held annually, encouraging individuals, communities and businesses to ‘give an hour for Earth’ and switch off non-essential lights for one hour from 8.30-9.30pm local times.
April
Fossil Fools Day (1): A day of satire and activism, Fossil Fools Day encourages critiques of reliance on fossil fuels. It’s an opportunity to advocate for renewable energy solutions.
Earth Day (22): Taking place on the same day every year since 1970, Earth Day aims to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.
May
Endangered Species Day (16): Held on the third Friday in May each year, Endangered Species Day encourages people to learn about and take action to protect threatened species.
World Bee Day (20): As the name suggests, this annual UN observance day aims to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.
June
World Environment Day (5): A flagship day for global environmental awareness, World Environment Day inspires action against pollution and climate change. Participate in cleanup drives, tree-planting events, or sustainability workshops.
World Oceans Day (8): This day focuses on raising awareness about the need to protect marine ecosystems, combat pollution, and promote sustainable fishing. Activities often include beach cleanups, educational workshops, and conservation campaigns.
World Rainforest Day (22): This highlights the importance of rainforests in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. It serves as a call to action to prevent deforestation and encourage sustainable practices.
There are more awareness dates, events and initiatives to consider in the second half of 2025 – and we’ll be highlighting them next week. So tune back in then so that we can continue to help you plan your sustainability and environmental activities for the full year.
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