World Environment Day is an international observance held every year on June 5 to emphasize humanity’s responsibility to protect and improve the environment for both present and future generations. The environment is defined as the setting in which humans live continuously — a space shared by living and non-living beings that interact with and affect each other. This includes natural elements such as air, water, soil, forests, lakes, seas and other ecological components. Human activities, whether intentional or not, can pollute the environment and disrupt ecological balance.
Events Held on World Environment Day (Anadolu Ajansı)
History
World Environment Day was established in 1972 following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden. Since then, annual events have been organized under various themes to draw attention to environmental issues. In Türkiye, the week that includes June 5 is celebrated as Environment Week.
Purpose and Importance
The primary purpose of World Environment Day is to raise environmental awareness and encourage individuals to protect nature. Environmental awareness involves recognizing one’s own responsibilities and inspiring others in society to act consciously toward the planet. This awareness encompasses all sectors of society — from families and educators to local administrations and citizens.
Environmental pollution and climate change are among the main issues that directly or indirectly affect human health. Direct impacts include health problems related to extreme heat or cold waves, while indirect impacts involve changes in agricultural productivity, water resources, ecosystems and social life. In Türkiye, the Central Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, Aegean and Mediterranean regions face threats of drought and desertification, negatively affecting agriculture, forestry and water availability.
Environmental Problems and Their Effects
Industrial waste, smoke from fuels and aerosols, plastic and chemical waste, synthetic fertilizers and garbage are major sources of environmental pollution. Global warming and climate change increase the frequency of extreme weather events such as heat and cold waves, severe storms, floods and landslides, posing risks to human health. These environmental challenges also lead to socioeconomic problems such as food crises, hunger and climate-induced migration.
Sustainability and Zero Waste
Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without depleting natural resources, ensuring that future generations can meet their own needs. Developing and promoting environmentally friendly technologies is essential to achieving sustainability. The Zero Waste approach seeks to prevent or minimize waste generation and to ensure the separation and recovery of waste at its source. Declarations and tracking systems are used to monitor producer responsibilities related to packaging waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, spent batteries and tires.
Legal Framework
Article 56 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye states that everyone has the right to live in a healthy and balanced environment and that protecting the environment is a duty shared by both the state and its citizens. Every individual bears a responsibility to safeguard the environment and to contribute to leaving a livable world for future generations.
Environmental Education Activities
The Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV) manages the Blue Flag program, which aims to improve the quality of swimming areas along seas and lakes. As of 2024, Türkiye ranks third in the world for the number of Blue Flag beaches, with 567 awarded sites.【1】 In addition, microbiological monitoring and inspection of swimming waters conducted by the Ministry contribute to the protection of public health.
