António Guterres – the UN Secretary General calls on all parties to end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all. This movement of change is urgent and critical.
The UN chief explains that the focus of this 2025 World Environment Day is on solutions to beat plastic pollution. He emphasizes that plastic pollution is choking our planet – harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate. Specifically, plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife. It breaks down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean; from human brains to human breastmilk.
In his release, the UN chief appraises the good signs that appeared now, starting with mounting public engagement, putting up a clear step towards reusability, setting up a greater accountability with inclusive policies to reduce single-use plastics to improve waste management. He emphasizes actions must go further and faster.
In two months, countries will come together to hammer out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. Consequently, an ambitious, credible and just agreement must be finalized this year. A plan that covers the life cycle of plastic through a perspective of circular economies which respond to the needs of communities which align with broader environmental goals and the sustainable development goals, and beyond. The objective must show that the work is implemented fast and fully. He urges the negotiators to return to talks in August to determine and build a common path through their differences with a priority to deliver an agreed treaty to our world needs.
Related link:
Guardians of Peace—and the Planet: UN Peacekeepers on Environmental Frontlines | United Nations
How Jeju Island will #BeatPlasticPollution by 2040 | UNEP
We need more than intelligence to #beatplasticpollution | UNEP
World Environment Day 2025 – UN Chief Message | United Nations
