New Delhi: The environment that we live in is the foundation of all life on the planet Earth. To save this environment, World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5. The day encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Many non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government agencies support this event. It is the main day dedicated by the United Nations to promote environmental protection.
Every year, a different theme is observed on the day. This year, the theme for World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
Plastic pollution exacerbates the serious issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste management. Every year, roughly 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans and waterways. Microplastics also build up in soil from sewage and landfills due to plastics used in farming.
The social and environmental costs of plastic pollution are estimated to be between $300 billion and $600 billion each year. This year’s World Environment Day focuses on the progress countries are making towards a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution, especially in marine areas. In November 2024, South Korea hosted the fifth session of negotiations for this treaty, with the next part scheduled for August 5 to 14 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Plastic pollution affects every part of the world, contaminating our water, food, and even our bodies. Although it is a serious problem, it is also one of the most solvable environmental issues today, with clear solutions available.
World Environment Day supports the UNEP-led #BeatPlasticPollution campaign this year to encourage communities worldwide to take action. It will highlight scientific findings about plastic pollution and promote actions to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink the use of plastics. The event aims to reinforce the global commitment made in 2022 to eliminate plastic pollution through a treaty.
World Environment Day has a long history. It began in 1973 as a means to raise awareness about environmental issues, including marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, and wildlife crime. Each year, over 143 countries participate, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and the United States. The programme offers a platform for businesses, non-governmental organisations, communities, and politicians to advocate for environmental causes.
World Environment Day was created in 1972 by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This conference focused on how people interact with the environment. The first World Environment Day took place in 1973 with the theme “Only one Earth”.
