World Environment Day is being marked globally today, with a focus on climate action and the role we can all play.
This year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the role of nature in tackling climate change and protecting ecosystems for future generations. The 2026 theme emphasises that protecting and restoring natural systems—such as forests, wetlands and coastal environments—is central to climate action, along with accelerating climate solutions, improving environmental resilience and strengthening the relationship between people and the natural world.
Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Victoria Helen Vaughan PSM said the day highlights the importance of collective action.
“Protecting and restoring nature is critical to building resilience, supporting biodiversity and securing a sustainable future,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability provides independent scientific reporting on the health of Victoria’s environment, supporting evidence-based decision-making and long-term sustainability.
“Victoria is already feeling the effects of the global climate change challenge, and we are continuing to identify practical solutions to address some of these impacts”.
The Commissioner’s reporting highlights practical solutions, such as the role of blue carbon ecosystems (that is, saltmarsh, mangroves and seagrasses) in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, and approaches like the Urban Forest Strategy, which helps maintain Melbourne’s health and liveability by supporting biodiversity and reducing the urban heat island effect.
The Commissioner’s State of the Marine and Coastal Environment (SMCE) 2024 and State of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks (SGORCP) 2025 reports both highlight the role of blue carbon ecosystems in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere and the important roles it plays in protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges, and in providing vital marine habitats.
“World Environment Day reminds us that every action counts—by working together, we can protect Victoria’s environment for generations to come.”
Established in 1972 and led by the United Nations Environment Programme, World Environment Day is the world’s largest annual platform for environmental awareness and action.
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