June 5 of every year marks the World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about environmental issues and encouraging action.
This year, with the theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution, the focus is on ending the devastating tide of over 400 metric tonnes of plastic waste generated around the world.
So what are the dangers of plastic pollution and why is the battle Against it critical for the future of the planet?
From plastic bags to water bottles, single use plastics have become a scourge on the environment.
Though they are useful for mere minutes, they remain on the planet for hundreds of years.
The wastes often find their way into Rivers,lakes and oceans harming aquatic lives and destroying their ecosystems.
Plastics clog drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during rainy season , they contaminate the soil making it unsuitable for agriculture and affecting food security.
With the theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution” the 2025 World Environment Day seeks to draw attention to the menace of plastic pollution and call for action to combat it.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP Statistics, over 400million metric tonnes of plastic wastes are produced each year, 10% of the waste is recycled while at least 14million metric tonnes end up in the World’s Ocean.
In a bid to address the challenge of Plastic Pollution, several countries around the World including Canada, India and Taiwan have implemented bans or restrictions on single use plastics.
In Africa, Kenya and Rwanda have taken the lead prohibiting the manufacture,sale and use of plastic bags .
Here in Nigeria, the government has made some strides in tackling plastic pollution, with policy framework and initiatives that promote alternatives while encouraging recycling.
Experts however say, effective enforcement of regulations, investment in waste management infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns are crucial in developing sustainable solutions.
For the 2025 World Environment Day, Beat Plastic Pollution is not just a slogan, but indeed a call to action for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. It requires a fundamental shift in consumption habits, a commitment from businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, and of course robust policy frameworks from governments if the war against plastic pollution must be won.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
