World Environment Day: Building a greener tomorrow

World Environment Day: Building a greener tomorrow

Plastic or the planet? That’s the question swirling worldwide on this World Environment Day as countries and communities focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. This is an incredibly important topic because plastic pollution is not only a complex issue that impacts all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, but the harmful effects of plastic pollution are also alarming. It threatens human health, cripples vital economic activities, and acts as a catalyst for climate change. Reports show that the world currently produces 430 million metric tons of plastics each year, of which over two-thirds are short-lived products which soon become waste. Moreover, if ‘business-as-usual’ continues, its production is set to triple by 2060. In addition, 40 percent of plastic is used only once before being discarded, and every year, up to 14 million tonnes of plastic debris goes into the global ocean. Thankfully, the UAE has been proactive in addressing the issue of plastic waste long before the plastic problem became a trending topic on social media. The UAE’s trailblazing role in reducing large-scale pollution, protecting the environment, and promoting a sustainable way of life has seen the country establish a solid reputation in the region as a