World Environment Day 2023: Focusing on #BeatPlasticPollution
World Environment Day 2023 underscores the significance of individual actions in addressing plastic pollution. The measures adopted by governments and businesses to combat this issue are direct outcomes of such initiatives. Now is the moment to expedite these efforts and shift towards a circular economy. On the 5th of June, 2023, World Environment Day will address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Under the rallying call of #BeatPlasticPollution, the global event aims to galvanize solutions and actions to tackle this environmental crisis.
The Ubiquity of Plastic Pollution
Our planet is drowning in plastic. Annually, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced, half of which is meant for single-use. However, less than 10% of this mammoth quantity is recycled. Between 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic debris pollute our lakes, rivers, and oceans. The consequence of plastic waste is far-reaching: from congesting landfills and leaching into oceans to combusting into toxic smoke, plastic pollution poses one of the direst threats to the environment.
The Invisible Threat of Microplastics
The danger extends beyond what meets the eye. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, are infiltrating our food chain, contaminating the water we drink and the air we breathe. Coupled with the hazardous additives many plastic products contain, this poses significant risks to our health.
Harnessing Science and Solutions for Change
Despite the bleak picture, there is room for hope. With scientific understanding and effective solutions, significant strides are being made in addressing the issue. What is needed now is a swell of public and political pressure to escalate actions from governments, companies, and stakeholders to alleviate this crisis. World Environment Day 2023 aims to mobilize action globally, emphasizing the critical need for collective responsibility.
The Vision of a Plastic-Free Future
World Environment Day 2023 serves as a platform to highlight how nations, businesses, and individuals are adopting more sustainable usage of plastic materials. This global event will foster hope that plastic pollution can, one day, be a thing of the past.
Also Read: What Is The Theme Of World Environment Day 2023 In India?
The Hosting Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with the Netherlands, hosts World Environment Day 2023. Demonstrating exemplary leadership in the fight against plastic pollution, Côte d’Ivoire has prohibited the use of plastic bags since 2014, advocating for reusable packaging. Abidjan, the country’s largest city, is an incubator for environmental startups.
Jean-Luc Assi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, expressed, “The scourge of plastic pollution is a visible threat that impacts every community. We are proud to champion diverse treatments for the plastic pandemic.”
Support from the Netherlands
This year’s event receives backing from the Netherlands, a nation committed to ambitious action against plastic pollution. As a signatory of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and a member of the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter, the Netherlands strives for robust solutions to the plastic issue.
Vivianne Heijnen, Netherlands’ Minister for the Environment, emphasized, “Plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on health, the economy, and the environment cannot be ignored. Urgent action is required. The Netherlands and the European community at large are fully committed to reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic, which can and must be replaced with durable and sustainable alternatives.”
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