World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, 2023, a global initiative promoted by the United Nations Environment Programme to remember the importance of preserving our planet. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution with meetings, activities and insights on the fight against plastic pollution.
“We must work as one (…) to break our addiction to plastics, champion zero waste, and build a truly circular economy.”
Ahead of #WorldEnvironmentDay, @antonioguterres calls for all hands on deck to #BeatPlasticPollution & shape a sustainable future for all. pic.twitter.com/sLKfEmirMN
— UN Environment Program (@UNEP) June 4, 2023
World Environment Day: 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year
The world is submerged in plastic. More than are produced each year 400 million tons of plastic, half of which are meant to be used only once. Of these, less of the 10% is recycled. It is estimated that 19-23 million tons end up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today plastic clogs our landfills, pours into the oceans and is burned in toxic fumes, becoming one of the most serious threats to the planet.
The microplastics they end up in the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain dangerous additives, which can pose a threat to our health salute.
What is needed most now is a wave of public and political pressure to scale up and accelerate action by governments, businesses and other stakeholders to resolve this crisis. World Environment Day 2023 will show how countries, businesses and individuals are learning to use materials more sustainableoffering hope that plastic pollution will one day be history.
World Environment Day 2023 is hosted by the Ivory Coast in partnership with the Netherlands.
The Ivory Coast since 2014 has prohibited the use of plastic bags, advocating for the transition to reusable packaging. The country’s largest city, Abidjan, has also become a hub for environmental start-ups.
Fifty-one years ago the first United Nations Conference on the Environment was held in Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972. On that occasion World Environment Day was born and a declaration which defined the 26 principles on environmental rights and man’s responsibilities for its protection.
