World Environment Day 2025 – Let's Beat Plastic Pollution Together

Each year on June 5th, the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, the largest international platform for environmental outreach led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). First observed in 1973 following the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, this day has grown into a powerful global movement advocating for the protection of our planet.

- By P. G. ARUNI DAMAYANTHI PREMATHILAKE - C00575 CHARTERED ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL

In 2025, World Environment Day is hosted by the Republic of Korea, and its theme, “Let's Together Pledge to Save the Blue Planet for a Bright Future,” emphasizes urgent collective action against plastic pollution—one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

The Global Crisis of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is deeply woven into the triple planetary crisis: climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. It’s estimated that in 2024 alone, 400 million tonnes of plastic were produced, and much of it has ended up polluting oceans, rivers, and even human bodies in the form of microplastics.

Microplastics are now found everywhere—from the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest—and even in our arteries, lungs, brains, and breast milk. The health implications are deeply concerning, including increased risks of strokes, heart attacks, and premature births.