People Demand Action on Plastic Pollution that Strangles Us: Guterres
- Date: 2024-10-30 12:00
- Source: United Nations News
Summary:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the urgent need to tackle the global crisis of plastic pollution, which is threatening human health and the environment. During the opening of the third meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in Nairobi, Kenya, Guterres urged global leaders to take decisive action to reduce plastic pollution.
Key Points:
- Plastic pollution is a major threat to the planet, with an estimated 11 million metric tons entering the oceans annually.
- Plastic waste harms marine life, disrupts ecosystems, and contaminates the food chain.
- Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, are found in drinking water and food, posing risks to human health.
- The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic waste per year, and only 9% is recycled.
- Guterres called for a comprehensive approach to plastic pollution, including reducing production, improving waste management, and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Quotes from Guterres:
- “People want action on plastic pollution that is choking us.”
- “We need to drastically cut the production and use of single-use plastics, and we need to invest in sustainable alternatives.”
- “We need to improve waste management and infrastructure, so that plastic does not end up in our oceans and waterways.”
Actions Proposed by UNEP:
- Set global targets for reducing plastic production and consumption.
- Establish extended producer responsibility schemes to make companies responsible for managing their plastic waste.
- Promote innovation and investment in circular economy approaches for plastics.
- Support developing countries in improving waste management systems.
- Raise public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and promote behavioral change.
Call to Action:
Guterres emphasized that tackling plastic pollution requires collaboration and commitment from governments, businesses, and individuals. He called on countries to adopt ambitious policies and regulations, businesses to reduce plastic packaging and invest in biodegradable alternatives, and individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.
Conclusion:
Plastic pollution is a pressing global crisis that demands urgent action. The UN Environment Assembly meeting is a critical opportunity for countries to come together and make commitments to reduce plastic pollution and protect the planet and its inhabitants.
People want action on plastic pollution that’s choking us: Guterres
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