Every year on June 5th, we commemorate World Environment Day – an international day when the planet speaks out about the need to protect nature. But this year, it speaks out more forcefully than ever before, because climate change is The crisis did not wait. Slovakia has already felt the consequences of warming – the average temperature here has increased by almost 2 °C since the end of the 19th century, and warming has been accelerating in recent decades. Extreme heat and storms, the likes of which we have never seen before, are already an everyday reality. The World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) strongly warn that if we do not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global warming could exceed 2.9 °C by the end of the century. Such a scenario would have catastrophic consequences – from the loss of glaciers and rising seas to heat waves that would devastate our forests and fields.

Global dimension: the plastic threat and the climate challenge

For World Environment Day 2025, the whole world is focusing on plastic waste. The host country of the event is Korea and the slogan of the day is #BeatPlasticPollution – that is, end global plastic pollution. Solving the plastic crisis has a direct link to climate goals: according to UNEP, plastic waste worsens the impacts of climate change and pushes the planet beyond its limits. In November 2024, the UN organized another round of negotiations on a global treaty to end plastic production, and another meeting is planned for August 2025. Eliminating plastic sources would contribute to the fulfillment of several sustainable development goals, including actions against climate change and ocean protection. As experts point out, the plastic crisis is one of the most serious environmental threats, but it is a problem that we can solve – and overcoming it would not only improve the environment, but also bring new economic opportunities.

Global Threat: Climate Emergency According to the UN and UNEP

The world is aware that we are facing a climate emergency. The UN Environment Programme clearly states: “The world is in a climate emergency. If greenhouse gas emissions do not fall dramatically, warming could exceed 2.9°C”. UNEP is therefore proposing a global action plan at several levels – from cutting-edge research and support for renewables, through low-carbon technologies to fair adaptation for vulnerable communities and strengthening climate finance. The World Climate Conferences (COP) will already bring stricter targets, but governments must act quickly – the call for stricter commitments is being announced from New York and the UN community. Without radical measures, we would just watch as extreme climate events worsen each other and affect us as a result of the warming of the planet.

Slovak initiatives: Nature protection and engagement

• Direct climate QUEST (SAŽP, Banská Bystrica). The Slovak Environmental Agency has prepared an educational "scout" on climate and biodiversity on the occasion of World Environment Day. Participants, including families and school groups, will walk through the SAŽP agenda area, where they will complete tasks related to measures against climate change at stations. For correct answers, valuable prizes await on June 5, 2025, symbolizing support for nature. The program calls: "Step into the green with us, be inspired and contribute to mitigating climate change."
• Earth Festival (SAŽP, Banská Bystrica). Every year at the end of May - beginning of June, the Earth Festival is held in Banská Bystrica, dedicated to World Environment Day. A rich program full of interactive activities, lectures and workshops on various environmental topics is prepared for schools and the public. These events bring the issues of nature protection and climate change closer to young people and families in a playful way.
• A day with conservationists (ŠOP SR, Banská Bystrica). The State Nature Conservation Service of the Slovak Republic is celebrating its 25th anniversary and invites the public to a day full of natural science activities. On Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 9:00 to 15:00, visitors will be able to enjoy natural science games and competitions, creative workshops, demonstrations of species monitoring and ecosystem care, as well as lectures by experts in the park under the SNP Museum. The event provides an opportunity to gain insight into the work of conservationists - its goal is to educate and motivate all age groups to actively protect biodiversity and nature.

Challenge: Every action counts

The time to act is now. Climate change is not a distant problem, but a reality that affects each of us. Reducing waste and plastics, preferring renewable energy, supporting sustainable transport solutions and planting trees - these are all steps that individuals can take today. UNEP reminds us that fighting the plastic crisis will not only help us save nature, but can also bring economic benefits and a better health of the planet. We therefore encourage the reader to get involved in community activities, educated about nature and climate issues and put pressure on those around us and decision-makers. Only by collective action can we avert the worst-case scenarios of climate catastrophe and ensure a sustainable future for future generations. Each of us has the power to change an ordinary day, June 5th, into a day when our planet feels a concrete step towards salvation.

Sources: The United Nations draws attention to the ongoing threat of plastic waste and at the same time to the climate emergency. UNEP and Slovak environmental institutions provide background information on the warming of Slovakia and encourage education, prevention and collective activities. Each source used in the text reveals the seriousness of the situation, but also the opportunities to act and improve the future. Spring