A calendar of the key dates

Why not use these dates to discuss the issues raised with your students?

•    January 26 – International Environmental Education Day
Promotes awareness and understanding of environmental issues through education.

•    February 2 – World Wetlands Day
Marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and highlights their ecological importance.

•    March 3 – World Wildlife Day
Celebrates wild fauna and flora and raises awareness of endangered species.

•    March 21 – International Day of Forests
Highlights the importance of all types of forests.

•    March 22 – World Water Day
Focuses on the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of water resources.

•    March 30 - International Day of Zero Waste
This day aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.

•    April 22 – International Mother Earth Day (Earth Day)
A day to reflect on our relationship with nature and promote global environmental protection.

•    May 20 – World Bee Day
Raises awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and their contribution to sustainable development.

•    May 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity
Celebrates biodiversity and emphasises its vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

•    June 5 – World Environment Day
The biggest international day for the environment, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

•    June 8 – World Oceans Day
Raises awareness of the critical role the oceans play and the need to protect them.

•    June 17 – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Focuses on sustainable land use and combating desertification.

•    July 11 – World Population Day
While not exclusively environmental, it addresses how population growth impacts resource use and the environment.

•    September 7 - International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 
This day emphasises the importance of clean air for human health and the environment.

•    September 16 – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Commemorates the Montreal Protocol and efforts to protect the ozone layer.

•    September 18 (3rd Saturday) – World Clean-up Day
A global movement aimed at combating solid waste and promoting community action.

•    September 26 – World Environmental Health Day
Highlights the link between the environment and human health.

•    First Monday of October – World Habitat Day
Promotes the right to adequate shelter and sustainable urban development.

•    October 13 – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Encourages risk-aware behaviour and policies to protect communities from natural disasters.

•    October 24 – International Day of Climate Action (often observed unofficially on UN Day)

•    November 6 – International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
Recognises that the environment is a silent casualty of war and calls for its protection.

•    December 11 - International Mountain Day 
This UN day aims to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, and to bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.