Join the Fight: How World Environment Day 2025 Aims to Eliminate Plastic Pollution

Environmentalism is about valuing our planet and protecting its future. World Environment Day, celebrated every June 5, focuses on pressing issues like plastic pollution. This year’s theme is particularly timely: “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The Republic of Korea will host the global event in 2025.

Plastic is a serious problem. More than 400 million tons are produced each year, with half being single-use. Shockingly, less than 10% of it is recycled. This results in about 11 million tons of plastic entering our oceans and waterways every year, equivalent to the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers. Imagine the impact: the world consumes roughly 5 trillion plastic bags annually, amounting to 75 kilograms per person. If lined up, those bags could circle the Earth countless times.

Single-use plastics mainly come from "virgin" feedstock, making them a major greenhouse gas contributor. It’s predicted that by 2040, their production will use up 19% of the global carbon budget. Microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, showing up in organs like the liver and kidneys. Recent research from the University of New Mexico discovered these tiny plastics in human brains—50% more prevalent than in other organs.

When discussing climate change, many fear that environmental efforts hurt economic growth. However, experts argue the opposite is true. Investing in climate restoration can yield nine times the returns compared to the costs. Inaction can be three times more expensive than restoration efforts.

Climate change drives many current crises. From record heat to flooding and wildfires, the evidence is everywhere. A study led by German Professor Schellnbur indicates that the heat from climate change is equivalent to four atom bombs being detonated every second.

In Manipur, a region in India, restoring the environment is urgent. Immediate action is needed to reverse damage in areas like poppy and jhum cultivation. Forests are essential; they produce 20% of the Earth’s oxygen. Unfortunately, we’re losing vast forests—about 15 billion trees each year. If we don’t act, our planet could lose all its natural forests within the century.

Biodiversity loss is another pressing issue. Currently, species are vanishing at a rate of three per hour. By 2100, many could be extinct, with the oceans absorbing a quarter of human CO2 emissions. Climate change is expected to increase ocean acidity dramatically, threatening marine life that produces a significant portion of the planet’s oxygen.

Food waste adds another layer to this environmental crisis. About one-third of our food—around 1.3 billion tons—is wasted daily, enough to feed 3 billion people. This waste contributes to 4.4 gigatons of greenhouse gases, challenging both our economy and environment.

To truly understand environmentalism, we can look back to the 1920s when the world was very different. With a population under 2 billion and lower CO2 levels, people had a deeper spiritual connection to nature. Modern environmentalism blends this historical perspective with science, aiming to restore that bond.

By 2030, we need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land to protect Earth’s ecosystems. The time for action is now. With every decision, we shape our future on this unique planet. On World Environment Day 2025, let’s commit to planting trees and nurturing Mother Earth.

For deeper insights into biodiversity and our role in environmental preservation, you can explore reports from organizations like UNEP.

The author is an Environmentalist and currently works as a District Forest Officer in Chandel district, Manipur.

(This is not an official publication of Ukhrul Times. The views expressed here are solely those of the author.)

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