Between 19 and 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems yearly, and with out pressing motion, this determine is expected to rise by 50 per cent by 2040.
Plastic air pollution is contaminating each nook of the planet, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, and human well being. Microplastics are present in meals, water and air, with the common individual estimated to ingest over 50,000 plastic particles every year, and much more when inhalation is included.
If the local weather disaster goes unaddressed, with plastic air pollution as a serious driver, air air pollution ranges exceeding secure thresholds may rise by 50 per cent inside a decade. In the meantime, plastic air pollution in marine and freshwater environments might triple by 2040.
International motion day
To rally momentum, the UN Setting Programme (UNEP) is leading the 52nd annual World Environment Day on 5 June, the world’s largest platform for environmental outreach.
This yr’s commemoration is hosted by Jeju, Republic of Korea, below the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. Since launching in 2018, the UNEP-led marketing campaign has advocated for a simply and inclusive transition away from plastic dependency.
The day brings collectively governments, companies, communities, and people in a shared mission to guard and restore the planet, whereas advancing progress in the direction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly these linked to local weather motion and sustainable consumption.
In the direction of a treaty
A significant focus of the day is the continuing push for a worldwide treaty to finish plastic air pollution. International locations are at present negotiating a global, legally binding settlement, with the subsequent spherical of talks scheduled for August.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an “bold, credible and simply settlement” that addresses the total lifecycle of plastics, displays group wants, aligns with the SDGs and is carried out rapidly and totally.
UNEP Govt Director Inger Andersen echoed the decision, urging nations to unite behind modern options and alternate options to plastic use.
World Setting Day serves as a catalyst for motion, driving consideration towards the UN Setting Meeting later this yr – the place hopes are excessive that nations will finalise concrete steps to curb plastic air pollution and tackle the broader local weather emergency.
