In celebration of World Environment Day, Qatar has launched a website that includes information on more than 2,500 local species of plants and animals. The database, which covers everything from toads to tree nuts, was designed with support from UNEP. The site was conceived to help researchers and policymakers safeguard Qatar’s biological diversity.  

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urged people around the world to join the effort to end plastic pollution, which she said “impacts every person and every ecosystem on this planet. 

“That pollution creeps into our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe,” she said in a video message. “So, on World Environment Day, let’s all recommit to beating plastic pollution, once and for all.” 

Chicago’s skyline just gained a bold new symbol for the planet. In celebration of World Environment Day, a 75-metre mural titled “Stand Tall” has been unveiled on the iconic Prudential Building. The mural was created by acclaimed Dutch artist Mr. Super A, and curated by the non-profit Street Art for Mankind. The monumental artwork represents a call for ecosystem restoration and environmental justice in cities worldwide. 

Read the press release 

Actor and filmmaker Dia Mirza released an Instagram video today calling for an end to plastic pollution. She urged countries to develop what’s known as a circular economy for plastic, where the material is reused and recycled, instead of being thrown away. 

“Nature wastes nothing. Everything is reused, repurposed or returned to the cycle of life,” said Mirza, a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador. “If we mirror the ways of nature, we can end the plastic pollution crisis.” 

See the video here 

Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet—even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. 

UNEP has curated a playlist of videos on YouTube that raises awareness about plastic pollution and showcases real-world solutions to encourage individuals, organizations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

Watch the playlist.

Actor Zeenat Aman, who stars in the new Netflix show The Royals, urged her fans to join the global effort to tame plastic pollution. 

“It may seem daunting, but let’s not forget, we are not helpless,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “We have the innovation, the knowledge and most crucially the determination… to ensure that plastic never finds its way into nature again.” 

The video was produced by the Bhamla Foundation, an environmental advocacy group and long-time supporter of World Environment Day. 

See the video here