2024 has arrived, and with it, plenty of chances to learn, get involved, and work together to create a greener world. Let's dive into the major environmental awareness days and key climate-related events to look out for this year. Use this calendar to understand the significance of each day, plan marketing campaigns, inspire change and more.
Veganuary (all month) - Veganuary is an annual challenge that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.
Davos Conference (January 15-19) - The 54th Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum where over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets come together to engage in constructive, forward-looking dialogues and help find solutions through public-private cooperation.
International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day (January 28) - International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day aims to raise awareness about and encourage people all over the world to do their part in taking care of the environment and the planet by reducing their carbon footprint.
World Wetlands Day (February 2) - World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on February 2 to raise awareness about wetlands.
International Polar Bear Day (February 27) - Coinciding with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens, International Polar Bear Day raises awareness about the conservation status of the polar bear.
World Wildlife Day (March 3) - United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on March 3 to celebrate wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
World Impact Summit (March 7-8) - The World Impact Summit brings together 10,000 professionals and major players in the ecological, economic and environmental transition, public and private, collectives, investors and 300 innovators who are committed to the planet.
Global Recycling Day (March 18) - Global Recycling Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and encourage people to take action to reduce waste and protect the environment.
International Day of Forests (March 21) - International Forest Day is a global initiative to highlight the importance of these ecosystems in the fight against climate change and to warn of the danger of their degradation.
World Water Day (March 22) - World Water Day is an annual observance day held on March 22 that highlights the importance of fresh water and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Earth Hour (March 23) - Earth Hour is a global movement held annually to encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour as a symbol of commitment to the planet.
Earth Month (all month) - Earth Month takes place in April every year as an extension of Earth Day. This annual awareness month is an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for change for our planet.
Earth Day (April 22) - Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Arbor Day (April 26) - Arbor Day, which literally translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin of the word “arbor”, is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees.
Endangered Species Day (May 17) - Endangered Species Day occurs every year on the 3rd Friday of May to educate the public about the threats facing endangered species and the importance of wildlife conservation.
World Bee Day (May 20) - World Bee Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.
World Turtle Day (May 23) - World Turtle Day intends to increase awareness of turtles and tortoises, with the hope of inspiring more human action to protect them and increase their survival rates in the wild.
World Environment Day (June 5) - World Environment Day is the United Nations day to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment on a global scale.
World Oceans Day (June 8) - World Oceans Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate, working in collaboration with youth leaders and a wide range of organizations.
World Biodiversity Forum (June 17-21) - The World Biodiversity Forum brings together researchers across all disciplines of biodiversity science with practitioners and societal actors to explore how to move from science to actions and solutions to conserve biodiversity and set us on a path towards transformation for sustainability.
World Rainforest Day (June 22) - World Rainforest Day celebrates the importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods— and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them.
Plastic-Free July (all month) - Plastic-Free July is a month-long sustainability challenge aimed at minimising the usage of plastics at home to help the planet.
World Tiger Day (July 29) - Global Tiger Day is celebrated every year on July 29 as a way to raise awareness about this magnificent but endangered big cat.
International Orangutan Day (August 19) - International Orangutan Day aims to encourage people to take action to preserve this critically endangered species. Orangutans can now only be found in small, fragmented populations throughout the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
Organic Month (all month) - Organic Month is an annual celebration and month-long awareness campaign about organic farming and production.
Second-hand Month (all month) - Secondhand Month is a challenge launched by Oxfam to encourage consumers not to buy new clothes for a month.
World Ozone Day (September 16) - World Ozone Day is celebrated every year to spread awareness among people about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and the measures taken/ to be taken to preserve it.
Zero Emissions Day (September 21) - Zero Emissions Day is an international day of action to demand a future without air pollution which is contributing to global warming.
World Car-Free Day (September 22) - World Car-Free Day encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day to highlight the numerous benefits, including reduced air pollution and walking and cycling in a safer environment.
World Rivers Day (September 22) - World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It strives to increase public awareness of rivers and encourages improved stewardship of them around the world.
World Animal Day (October 4) - World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Food Day (October 16) - World Food Day takes place annually on October 16 and promotes awareness of hunger and action for the future of food, people, and the planet.
UN Biodiversity Conference (October 21- November 1) - The UN Biodiversity Conference brings together the countries who have signed the Convention on Biological Diversity - the international agreement for conserving biodiversity with the vision of “living in harmony with nature by 2050”.
World Vegan Day (November 1) - World Vegan Day is an annual global celebration of veganism and its positive impact on the planet, animals, and human health.
COP29 (November 11-24) - This year marks the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the UNFCCC, to be held in Azerbaijan.
World Sustainable Transport Day (November 26) - A day created to enhance intermodal transport connectivity, promote environmentally friendly transport, and develop socially inclusive transport infrastructures.
World Soil Day (December 5) - World Soil Day is held annually on December 5 as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
International Mountain Day (December 11) - International Mountain Day brings awareness to the relevance of mountain ecosystems and calls for nature-based solutions, best practices and investments that build resilience, reduce vulnerability and increase the ability of mountains to adapt to daily threats and extreme climatic events.
