Earth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of today’s most challenging environmental problems and to celebrate the progress we’ve made in conservation and environmental protection over the past decades.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) serves at the forefront of U.S. diplomatic efforts to confront some of these challenges. Working on issues that impact millions of U.S. jobs and advance U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, OES promotes water security, peaceful cooperation on polar issues, sustainable ocean policy, science and technology cooperation, climate and space policy, and international nature conservation, among other vital topics.

This Earth Day, we are focusing on the topic of conservation and environmental protection, while balancing our dedication to a strong economy. Below, you’ll see how U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are participating. There are also many ways that you can become involved. You can begin by taking a look at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s examples of things you can do to help support international conservation efforts.  Happy Earth Day!