World Environment Day: Let's Beat Plastic Pollution

Highlights:

World Environment Day is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
World Environment Day 2023 is hosted by Côte d'Ivoire and supported by the Netherlands
It focuses on combating plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution

World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has become the most significant global event dedicated to the environment. Celebrated annually since 1973, it serves as a powerful platform for environmental outreach, engaging millions of people worldwide.

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‘Join the green scene, make the world clean: Join millions of people around the world to #BeatPlasticPollution.’

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World Environment Day 2023: Beat Plastic Pollution

In 2023, Côte d'Ivoire will host World Environment Day, supported by the Netherlands, under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.

This campaign highlights the importance of finding solutions to combat plastic pollution and emphasizes the impact of individual actions in addressing this issue. The efforts undertaken by governments and corporations to tackle plastic pollution are a direct outcome of this initiative ().

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What is the Significance of World Environment Day?

World Environment Day promotes the protection of our natural environment and aims to raise awareness through astonishing facts and figures. For example, approximately 7 million people lose their lives each year due to air pollution, with a significant number of fatalities occurring in the Asia-Pacific region ().

This global celebration, taking place on June 5, fosters global activism and addresses various environmental concerns, including pollution and climate change. It serves as both a worldwide celebration and a public platform for outreach.

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What is the History of World Environment Day?

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, emphasizing the significance of preserving our shared home for future generations ().

The history of this day is particularly noteworthy due to its origins and various milestones. It originated from the first United Nations conference on human interactions with the environment. Sweden proposed the idea in 1968, and after the United Nations agreed to hold a meeting on environmental issues in Sweden, Maurice Strong, a Canadian ambassador with a passion for the environment, led the conference.

After four years of planning and a significant investment, the inaugural World Environment Day took place in 1974 with the slogan "Only One Earth."

Since then, World Environment Day has gained widespread acceptance worldwide and even made its way into pop culture. Many influential celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep, actively advocate for environmental causes, encouraging people from all walks of life to join the movement.

Whether you are a famous actor, an athlete, or a college student, engaging in outdoor activities and contributing to the preservation of our planet on this special day can be both enjoyable and fulfilling.

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Microplastics: A Viral Ticking Bomb

Microplastics have recently gained significant attention due to their destructive impact on the environment.

Previously, it was believed that they were solely present in marine organisms. However, recent studies have revealed a disturbing breakthrough: the presence of microplastics in both human placentas and newborns. This finding has raised serious concerns.

Present Day Scenario of the World Environment Day

In the present day, sustainability and environmental protection have become crucial global concerns.

World Environment Day prompts individuals and organizations alike to reflect on their environmental impact. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to raise awareness and inspire positive change. For instance, the 2020 theme focused on biodiversity.

Through advocacy, education, and personal actions, World Environment Day encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices and break habits that contribute to ecological degradation.

Simple actions, such as conserving energy by turning off unnecessary lights, can have a significant collective impact. Educational institutions also organize exhibitions and events to foster environmental awareness.

Concluding the World Environment Day With Awareness and Collective Effort

In conclusion, World Environment Day serves as a vital global platform for raising awareness and taking action towards environmental protection.

With a focus on tackling issues such as plastic pollution, promoting sustainability, and fostering conservation efforts, this annual event encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and make a positive impact on our planet.

Through collective efforts and increased awareness, we can strive towards a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. Do your part by sharing the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution and creating awareness among the general population.

“Let’s come together and make this a better place for you and me.”

References:

World Environment Day 2023 - (https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/world-environment-day-2023)
7 million deaths annually linked to air pollution - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24844108/)
World Environment Day 5 June - (https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day)

Source-Medindia