Hundreds of marches, pickets and cleanup events are taking place across the country in the run up to earth day. Environmental groups set up resistance to the administration and its war on the planet.

On this Earth Day 2025, Israeli forces continue bombarding Gaza, killing at least 18 Palestinians in pre-dawn strikes, including two women and two children in southern Khan Younis. the Muslim Ummah's response is deeply intertwined with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While global environmental movements observe the day to raise awareness about climate change, many Muslim communities are focusing on the immediate environmental devastation caused by the conflict. 

Gaza’s Environmental Crisis Amid Conflict

The war in Gaza has led to severe environmental degradation. Palestinian officials at COP29 in Baku highlighted the irony of advocating for climate protection globally while Gaza suffers from energy shortages, water contamination, and widespread destruction of infrastructure. These conditions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, making it a pressing issue for the Ummah.

Religious and Political Mobilization

In response, religious and political leaders across the Muslim world are uniting to address both the humanitarian and environmental impacts of the conflict. The Muslim World League has launched an urgent petition calling for a unified stance to establish peace and end the violence in Gaza. This initiative emphasizes the influential role of religious leaders in peacemaking efforts. ​

In Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami organized a nationwide strike on April 26, 2025, to protest the ongoing violence in Gaza. The strike was a part of broader efforts to raise awareness and demand action from the international community. ​

Calls for Climate Justice

Organizations like Ummah for Earth are emphasizing the need for climate justice, particularly in regions affected by conflict. They advocate for a faith-based approach to the climate crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact on Muslim-majority regions and urging collective action to address environmental challenges.

Friends of the Earth is a global network of environmental organizations, and so we are standing in solidarity with siblings in Friends of the Earth Palestine (PENGON), a network of 15 environmental groups in Gaza and the West Bank. 

Since October Israeli air strikes have damaged every one of PENGON offices in Gaza and totally destroyed most of their staff’s homes. Islam Ali, one of their staff team, was killed by an Israeli air strike in October: she was sheltering in southern Gaza having already displaced from her home at the Al-Shati Refugee Camp. A further four PENGON staff in Gaza have since been killed by bombing.

“Climate change is the leading cause of global displacement, these are connected issues as Trump is attacking migrants and the planet by aligning himself with big oil and eroding hard won protections.” said Renata Pumarol, the deputy director of the Climate Organizing Hub, which coordinated the New York march. “As we fight the authoritarianism of Trump, climate groups need to be part of the resistance because we are all under threat.”

This Year Earth Day which which includes climate education in schools and universities, beach-clean ups, and tree planting in the Pakistan and globally, is the 55th, but thanks to administration, it is like no other.  

🌿 Local and Global Actions

In the United States, Earth Day 2025 has seen a surge in environmental activism. In Detroit, an urban forest of giant sequoia trees is being planted to improve air quality and engage local youth in environmental stewardship. Seattle is hosting events such as the Ladybug Festival and park clean-ups to promote biodiversity and community involvement., protests and demonstrations have been organized to advocate for stronger environmental additionally protections and climate justice.​ ​

🌿 Alkhidmat Foundation: Tree Planting Campaigns

Lahore marked the occasion of World Earth Day with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and sustainability. In line with the theme of the day, Alkhidmat orchestrated a tree planting campaign, distributed saplings, and endeavored to raise awareness regarding the pressing climate crisis.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse array of individuals, including young children, university students, members of civil society, and philanthropists, all coming together to contribute to the cause. Participants actively engaged in planting tree saplings, symbolizing their commitment to fostering a greener and healthier environment.  

  Punjab: “No to Plastic” Campaign

In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is spearheading the "No to Plastic" campaign. The campaign encourages citizens to reduce plastic usage and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. A significant step in this initiative is the upcoming ban on plastic bags, set to take effect on June 5, 2025. The government is also organizing educational workshops and awareness programs to inform the public about the environmental hazards associated with plastic pollution. ​

🌿 Islamabad: Cleanup Drives and Tree Plantations

In Islamabad, volunteers from organizations like Friends of Margallah Hills National Park (FoMHNP) and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) are conducting cleanup drives at Kinara Park, Rawal Lake. These efforts aim to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental stewardship. Additionally, the Green Pakistan Program Office is hosting a tree planting ceremony to celebrate Earth Day, emphasizing the importance of land restoration and biodiversity conservation. ​

🚗 COMSATS: Launch of Electric Vehicle Project

COMSATS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and the National Plastics Action Partnership, is commemorating Earth Day by launching an Electric Vehicle (EV) project. This initiative aims to promote emission-free transportation and contribute to a cleaner environment in Pakistan. ​

🌍 UNDP: Environmental Initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is celebrating Earth Day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan through plantation drives, clean-up campaigns, and awareness sessions. These activities are part of the Scaling up of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Risk Reduction project, aiming to enhance environmental resilience in northern Pakistan.

🗓️ Looking Ahead

As Earth Day 2025 unfolds, various regions in Pakistan are engaging in activities such as tree planting, plastic waste management, and public education campaigns. These efforts reflect a collective commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations.

📚 Get Involved

You can participate in Earth Day 2025 by:​

• Pledging an Earth Action on social media
• Attending or organizing local events
• Integrating Earth Day lessons into educational curricula
• Supporting renewable energy initiatives​

As an organization, we are striving for a world where everyone enjoys a healthy environment and a fair share of the Earth’s resources, including Palestinians.