Days to alert, educate, and take action
These days are often created by the United Nations (UN) or international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their purpose is to raise awareness among the general public, governments, and businesses about specific environmental issues.
They also help mobilize citizens: beach clean-ups, tree planting, petitions, or debates in schools. They encourage political leaders to strengthen environmental protection laws.
Did you know? The very first international day dedicated to the environment was created in 1972 by the UN: World Environment Day.
A real driver for change
Some believe these days are merely symbolic, but they have concrete effects:
- Media coverage: Thanks to them, issues such as deforestation or ocean pollution regularly make headlines.
- Local action: In 2023, World Cleanup Day mobilized 191 countries and helped collect millions of tons of waste.
- Political change: World Environment Day (June 5) contributed to the adoption of international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015.
And what if tomorrow, it were our turn to act?
These days won’t solve all ecological crises, but they create momentum. They remind us that protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility: citizens, scientists, businesses, and governments. So next time you hear about an international day, remember: it’s an opportunity to learn, share, and take action—for a world where humans and ecosystems coexist in harmony.
Activities for your students – Grades 2 to 5 (Cycle 2 & 3)
Theme
“Let’s create a new international day for environmental protection!”
Procedure
- In groups of 3–4 students, imagine a new international day dedicated to an environmental issue or an animal or plant species.
- Argument preparation (15 min): Each group prepares a 2‑minute speech to defend their proposed day, explaining its purpose and importance.
- Debate and vote (20 min)
Learning objectives
- Understand the importance of international days and their role in environmental protection.
- Develop argumentation and public speaking skills.
- Stimulate creativity by imagining concrete solutions.
To go further
Invite students to create a poster or video to promote their day, or to organize a symbolic action at school (e.g., planting, waste collection).