Urgent solutions needed to beat plastic pollution
As the world commemorates World Environment Day on June 5, the global community unites under the theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution,” emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to combat the escalating crisis of plastic pollution.
With environmental degradation becoming an increasingly pressing issue, this year’s event serves as a clarion call to individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to take immediate action to address the devastating impact of plastic on our planet.
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, with detrimental consequences for ecosystems, marine life, and human health.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into oceans, rivers, and landfills, wreaking havoc on delicate ecosystems, choking wildlife, and posing a severe threat to global biodiversity.
On this day, global leaders, environmental organizations, businesses, and concerned citizens worldwide will come together to initiate and promote measures that tackle plastic pollution at its root causes.
The focus will be on reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and reuse, and fostering innovation in sustainable materials.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which spearheads the World Environment Day campaign, stresses the importance of individual and collective responsibility.
History
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The conference marked a turning point in international environmental governance and led to the creation of the UNEP.
The primary purpose of the day is to encourage individuals, communities, governments, and organizations worldwide to take positive actions for the protection and preservation of the environment.
Each year, the day focuses on a specific theme, highlighting a particular environmental concern that requires immediate attention.
Significance
The day plays a significant role in mobilizing people across the globe to take action for a sustainable and healthier planet.
Over the years, World Environment Day has achieved several milestones and successes. It has prompted countries to adopt environmental laws, create protected areas, promote renewable energy, ban single-use plastics, and implement measures to mitigate climate change.
The day has also catalyzed public awareness and behavior change, leading to increased environmental consciousness and responsible actions by individuals and communities.
Environmental devastation: Pakistan grapples with catastrophic floods
The environment and floods are interconnected in various ways. Flooding is a natural process that occurs when there is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. However, human activities and environmental factors can significantly influence the occurrence and severity of floods.
It is important to note that while human activities can contribute to flooding, they can also play a role in mitigating flood risks.
While the theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution” takes center stage, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact of natural disasters such as the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022.
These floods, caused by heavy monsoon rains, resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of communities.
The connection between plastic pollution and extreme weather events like floods cannot be ignored.
Plastic waste clogs drainage systems and exacerbates flooding by obstructing the flow of water.
Moreover, the improper disposal of plastic waste contaminates water bodies and exacerbates the environmental impact of such calamities.
Implementing effective land and water management practices, preserving natural ecosystems, restoring wetlands, constructing proper drainage systems, and adopting sustainable urban planning can help minimize the impacts of floods and protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding.
PM emphasizes need to combat plastic pollution
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combat plastic pollution and embark on a journey of plastics reduction.
In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day being observed on Monday, he emphasized the need to combat plastic pollution.
He said as one of the top ten countries in the world for plastic pollution, Pakistan recognizes the urgent need for action.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government has prioritized the adoption of environment friendly alternatives and is actively working on the Plastics Prohibition Regulation 2023 for the Islamabad Capital Territory.
This regulation will establish a comprehensive framework and timeline for phasing out single-use plastics, while also leading by example on a plan to reduce and then ban the use of single use plastics by the entire federal government.
In a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to reduce plastic waste in Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Prime Minister House to stop using single-use plastics, which like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, will lead the way in phasing out and restricting the use of Polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles in Federal Ministries, and Divisions across the board.
The Prime Minister called upon all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organizations, and the media, to renew their commitment in fight against plastic pollution and preserving the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Consequences of plastic pollution are intense, long term: Sherry Rehman
Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman, in her message said that the consequences of plastic pollution are intense and long term, as it irreversibly damages our environment and threatens the very fabric of life on earth.
She urged a call for action as plastic production is set to triple by 2060 if no serious measures are taken to stop it.
The Minister shared the 7R’s Action Agenda which marks the country’s commitment to combat plastic pollution and initiate its journey towards reducing plastic waste.
These 7 R’s are reduce, redesign, reuse, recycle, responsibility, research, and resource.
Sherry Rehman highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to promoting a sustainable circular economy for plastics by reducing waste, consumption, and encouraging reuse, recycling, and material recovery.
The Minister stressed the need for an incentive-driven approach to encourage consumers to change their plastic consumption habits.
‘Let’s create a cleaner, greener future’: FM Bilawal
On his official twitter handle, the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated “The Government of Pakistan begins a new and important journey on bringing new regulations for ICT to Beat Plastic Pollution”.
“Together, let’s combat plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener future,” he added
