NEWS

Inspire the next generation of environmental champions with these key dates

By Liam Taylor 5 March 2025

To help your school celebrate and support the environment we have put together a list of important environmental moments in 2025—because every small action adds up to a big impact!

Australia’s unique environment is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, but it also faces significant challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change. By celebrating key environmental dates, students can connect with nature, take meaningful action, and learn valuable sustainability lessons.

At Planet Ark, we believe that every school has the potential to be a hub for sustainability education and action. To support this, we’ve put together a list of key environmental dates that align with school terms, making it easier for educators to plan activities that inspire students and connect them to Australia’s environment.

Events such as National Tree Day and World Environment Day provide the opportunity for hands-on learning, community involvement, and real-world connections to classroom lessons. By marking these occasions, schools can cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature, encourage positive environmental behaviours, and empower students to make a difference.

Here's some key dates to mark in your calendars in 2025 that will help inspire your students to join Australia’s next generation of environmental champions:

Term 1 (Late January – Early April)

• International Day of Forests – 21 March

• World Water Day – 22 March

• Earth Hour – 22 March

• National Eucalypt Day - 23 March

Term 2 (Late April – Early July)

• Earth Day – 22 April

• International Compost Awareness Week – 4-10 May

• National Volunteer Week – 19-25 May

• World Bee Day – 20 May

• World Environment Day – 5 June

• World Ocean Day – 8 June

Term 3 (Mid-July – Late September)

• Schools Tree Day & National Tree Day – 25 July & 27 July

• Landcare Week - 5-11 of August

• National Science Week – 9-17 August (encourages STEM learning related to sustainability)

• Keep Australia Beautiful Week – 4-10 August

• Biodiversity Month - September

• Threatened Species Day – 7 September

• World Rivers Day – 28 September

Term 4 (Early October – Mid-December)

• World Habitat Day – 6 October

• International eWaste Day – 14 October

• National Recycling Week – 10-16 November

There are also a variety of days throughout the year dedicated to specific species that your class may want to explore, whether it be frogs, turtles or Australia’s iconic golden wattle. Ask your students what subjects they are most interested in learning more about to increase engagement when the time comes around.