On the fiftieth anniversary of World Environment Day, environmentalists are focusing on finding solutions to plastic pollution. This annual event, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. Celebrated on June 5 each year, World Environment Day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and engage millions of people worldwide.
This year's celebrations will be hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in the African continent. Côte d'Ivoire is a country that has made significant efforts to address the problem of plastic waste. In 2014, Côte d'Ivoire banned the use of plastic bags in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives. Plastic pollution is a global issue, with over 400 million tonnes of plastic materials being produced annually, and less than 10 per cent of that being recycled. As a result, vast amounts of plastic end up in lakes, rivers, and seas, threatening ecosystems and human health.
Plastic waste affects all aspects of the environment, including soil, water, and air. Micro-plastic particles, which enter the food, water, and air, pose a significant concern. Studies have shown that tap water in various regions around the world, including the United States and Lebanon, contains plastic fibres. Annually, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans due to poor waste management in coastal areas, and if this continues, it is projected to reach between 100 and 250 million tonnes by 2025.
China, Indonesia, and Arab countries collectively contribute to ocean pollution, with China being the largest contributor.
While China ranks first to ocean pollution with plastic waste at a rate of 27.7 per cent, Indonesia’s rate is 10.1 per cent, while the Arabs collectively come in third place in the world at a rate of 8.6 per cent. Egypt alone ranks first in the Arab world and seventh in the world with a rate of 3 per cent, followed by Algeria in the 13th place at 1.6 per cent and then Morocco in the 18th in the world with 1 per cent.
At the regional level, it is estimated that Arab countries dispose of around 200 million tons of waste each year, with plastic materials constituting a significant portion. Some Arab countries have implemented bans on plastic bags and are promoting alternative packaging materials, but more needs to be done to address the millions of tons of plastic waste being disposed of annually.
At the local level, it is essential to promote proper waste disposal and management, as well as implement awareness campaigns and enforce environmental laws. Recycling projects and sustainable industrial initiatives can also help address the issue. In Oman, efforts are being made to reduce the use of plastic and implement regulations to protect the environment. The government is actively working towards sustainable development goals, including clean water provision, clean energy, and building sustainable cities.
World Environment Day serves as a vital platform for global environmental awareness and action. Since its inception in 1973, it has become a key event to promote environmental dimensions of sustainable development goals. With participation from over 150 countries, the United Nations Environment Programme advocates for environmental protection worldwide.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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