World Environment Day 2025 puts plastic crisis under global spotlight
Listen to article
As the world marks Environment Day on June 5, environmental groups are renewing calls to 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' a global theme repeated for 2025 amid rising concerns over plastics' health and environmental impacts.
EARTHDAY.ORG, the organisation behind April's Earth Day campaigns, is urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to take decisive action. Their 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, focuses on grassroots strength in the face of sluggish international negotiations.
Despite hopes that this year would see the finalisation of the UN Global Plastics Treaty, talks in Busan failed to reach consensus, forcing a sixth round of negotiations (INC5.2) later this year in Switzerland. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia and China have resisted proposals to limit plastic production and toxic chemicals.
'Delays now mean more harm for both the planet and human health,' said EARTHDAY.ORG in a statement.
The Rio Sucio or "Dirty River", where one branch is colored yellow/brown by the minerals it carries from the Irazu Volcano, is seen mixing with the clear waters filtered by the tropical rainforest in the Braullio Carrillo National Park, 50 km (31 miles) east of San Jose, June 5, 2012. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate
Plastic's invisible toll
According to the organisation's data, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, half of which is single-use. Much of it never reaches landfills, instead polluting ecosystems and entering food and water sources.
EARTHDAY.ORG's 2023 Babies vs Plastics report and its follow-up campaigns have linked plastic chemicals to cancer, infertility, developmental disorders, and even dementia. Recycling, once a hopeful solution, is now under scrutiny for spreading microplastics and being mostly ineffective.
Ram Singh (L) and his relatives, dressed in traditional Hindu saffron-coloured clothes walk on a garbage-strewn beach against the backdrop of monsoon clouds on World Environment Day in Mumbai, June 5, 2012. According to the United Nations Environment Programme website, World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise global awareness and motivate action for environmental protection. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash
Local cleanups, global impact
Despite slow progress at the diplomatic level, organisers are championing local action through the Great Global Cleanup. In 2025, over 4,000 cleanup events have removed more than 7 million pounds of waste globally.
Activists also urge public support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and the Global Plastics Petition, aimed at pressuring lawmakers to adopt stricter controls.
'Change doesn't have to wait on governments,' the group said, calling back to the grassroots success of the first Earth Day in 1970, which led to key US environmental laws.
Boats are docked at the polluted Amatitlan Lake, 30 km (18 miles) south of Guatemala City June 5, 2012. REUTERS/William Gularte
A call to act, not wait
While World Environment Day is annual, the group stressed that its goals require constant, year-round effort. 'This is a fight for our health, our planet, and our future,' said EARTHDAY.ORG.
A dead tortoise is seen near the shores of Lake Xolotlan, also known as Lake Managua, which has an area of approximately 1000 sq km and has been receiving raw sewage from Managua's one million residents since 1920, in Managua June 5, 2012. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
CM vows plastic-free Sindh on World Environment Day
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the day is being celebrated worldwide under the theme "End Plastic Pollution." He emphasised the need for collective action to protect the environment from plastic pollution and appealed to the public to minimise plastic use and adopt a clean environment. The CM said that the Sindh government has launched a plastic cleanup campaign across the province and is ensuring strict enforcement of plastic laws. The Sindh government is promoting the use of eco-friendly cloth and paper bags. A complete ban on plastic shopping bags will be imposed from June 15. 3,000 cloth bags Like the rest of the world, World Environment Day was celebrated across Sindh with fervour and renewed commitment to ecological preservation. DG Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Waqar Hussain Phulpoto started the day by planting a sapling, symbolising the province's dedication to sustainable and environment-friendly initiatives. Speaking to the media, he announced that 3,000 cloth bags have been distributed at major shopping malls to encourage the public to shift away from harmful plastic shopping bags.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat for Hajj climax
Faithful pray on Mount Arafat during the climax of Hajj pilgrimage outside the holy city of Makkah. Photo: Reuters Listen to article Muslim worshippers prayed on Mount Arafat during the high point of the Hajj pilgrimage on Thursday, as authorities urged them to avoid the hottest hours of the day after tragedy struck last year. Thousands of white-robed pilgrims recited verses from the holy Quran from dawn on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky rise near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) gave his last sermon. But numbers thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10:00am and 4:00pm, a year after 1,301 people died in temperatures that hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). Delivering the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah in Arafat, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, emphasised the profound spiritual and unifying significance of the Day of Arafah, urging Muslims around the world to uphold the true essence of Islam through faith, humility, and sincere devotion to Allah. Addressing the pilgrims, Sheikh Dr Humaid highlighted Islam's core principles, underscoring the importance of monotheism, compassion, moral conduct, and social justice. He called on believers to strengthen their connection with Allah through constant remembrance, heartfelt prayers, and righteous deeds, especially on this sacred day known for divine mercy and the acceptance of supplications. "The Day of Arafah is not only a symbol of unity for the Ummah but also a reminder of our collective submission to the Creator. On this day, Allah's mercy descends abundantly, and prayers are answered. Let us fill our hearts with gratitude and our tongues with His praise," he said. "I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent," said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria. Saudi authorities have taken several steps to reduce the risk from heat at the Hajj, which has drawn more than 1.6 million pilgrims to one of the world's hottest regions, according to fresh figures published on Thursday. Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics are on standby and more than 400 cooling units have been deployed, the hajj minister told AFP last week. The Saudis have also cracked down on unregistered, non-fee paying pilgrims, who lack access to the full amenities and made up more than 80 percent of last year's deaths. On Thursday, icepacks were handed to people walking towards Mount Arafat, with some placing the small bags on their heads. With temperatures reaching 42C (107.6F), officials ushered people away if they spent too long in one place near the bouldered hill, which had fans spraying mist and cool air at its foot. Late Thursday afternoon, pilgrims began making their way to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles for Friday's symbolic "stoning of the devil". Despite the heat, they were generally delighted to be performing the Hajj. "I don't think about the sun or the temperature or anything like that," said Ahmed, a 44-year-old from Egypt. "Because standing in Arafat is a great thing and a beautiful day, and as you can see, all the pilgrims" are doing it. Ali, 33, from Pakistan, said he felt "blessed" to take part. "This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during Hajj and I always thought: "I wish I could be here'," he said. Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the Hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat. "It's a big dream for me that I had almost given up hope of realising," the Egyptian woman in her 50s told AFP from the foot of the mount. Saudi officials said the heat-mitigation measures implemented this Hajj had largely been successful in preventing a repeat of last year. "We are encountering a limited number of heat related illnesses cases this year and this is evidence of the effectiveness of all the organisation measures as well as preventive measures," said Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, Saudi Arabia's assistant minister of health. Along with the anti-heat measures and thousands of extra personnel, Saudi Arabia is also using an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds. More than 15,000 cameras run through artificial intelligence software are monitoring the holy sites and walkways during an event that has a history of deadly stampedes. This year, officials have also clamped down hard on unregistered pilgrims looking to sneak into Makkah, using raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Eid waste disposal: 9.5m eco-friendly waste bags distributed
LAHORE: The district administrations are distributing over 9.5 million eco-friendly waste bags in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana for the disposal of sacrificial animal waste; 1.5 million bags in the provincial capital and over 9 million in the other three districts. This was disclosed during a Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC)'s briefing to Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid Bin Maqsood on Thursday. The Commissioner visited the Central Control Room, set up for cleanliness and online monitoring of the entire operation on Eid-ul-Adha at the LWMC Head Office; he was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioners of all four districts in Lahore Division. On this occasion, LWMC CEO Baber Sahib Din briefed the Commissioner about the cleaning operations in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana districts. He said they will use a digital system to monitor the operations throughout the Lahore Division on Eid-ul-Adha. He averred that mechanical resources have been deployed, while 300 field camps have been set up in Lahore and 454 in Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana for the immediate resolution of complaints and the free supply of biodegradable waste bags. He added that the best cleanliness arrangements are being ensured in 30 cattle markets set up in the Lahore Division. The Commissioner said this year, the LWMC is going to conduct cleanliness operations in Nankana, Sheikhupura and Kasur districts as well while the hotspot areas in the city of Lahore will be supervised by the Punjab Safe City Authority through drone cameras. Section 144 is enforced to deal with the people who throw offal in drains, canals and open plots. Strict action will be taken against the violators. He appealed to the people to cooperate with their teams by handing over animal waste packed in a bag to them, instead of throwing them on the streets. Meanwhile, on World Environment Day, the LWMC organised an awareness event on Mall Road to educate citizens about environmental protection. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique participated in the event along with Special Assistant Asim Mahmood and LWMC CEO Baber Sahib Din. The officials visited the LWMC's model camp set up at Charring Cross and distributed eco-friendly waste bags to the public. During the event, they engaged with citizens to encourage them to make the environment plastic-free. The event concluded with an awareness walk, which was attended by a large number of LWMC workers and residents. In addition, during a meeting with LWMC workers, the Minister urged them to work diligently during the Eid-ul-Adha festival. The LWMC CEO urged people to hand over plastic waste to sanitation staff rather than disposing of it on streets, green belts or in drains. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
