Today, on June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, an annual event established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. The purpose of this day is to promote global awareness and action in support of our natural habitat.
In an increasingly urbanized world, it is crucial to remember the significance of the health of our planet as a fundamental pillar for the survival and well-being of all its inhabitants. With the majority of the world’s population already residing in cities, and an estimated 150,000 people migrating to urban areas daily (equivalent to a new city the size of Los Angeles every month), the importance of sustainable urban development becomes evident. It is expected that by 2030, at least 2 billion more people will have moved to cities, particularly in developing countries.
This year, the focus of World Environment Day is on eliminating the use of plastics, an urgent environmental issue that requires immediate attention and action. According to UN data, approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year, and the degradation process of this material can take up to 1,000 years. A significant amount of this plastic ends up in our oceans, leading to detrimental effects on marine life and disrupting entire ecosystems.
Our current use of plastic is unsustainable. Despite efforts to recycle, a large portion of the plastic produced ends up in landfills or the environment, causing catastrophic consequences for wildlife and ecosystems.
Plastic pollution impacts the environment in several ways:
On World Environment Day, we aim to raise awareness and mobilize individuals, communities, companies, and governments to address this critical issue. We are encouraged to reconsider our use of single-use plastics, explore more sustainable alternatives, and advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and consumption.
Source: National Geographic