published by, Nibandh Vinod
Last Update: June 05, 2023, 07:20 AM IST
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June to raise awareness around the world about the need to protect our environment. (Image: shutterstock)
World Environment Day 2023: This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution”, shared with the social media hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution.
World Environment Day 2023: Our environment includes all the living and non-living things that surround us and interact with us and each other. The environment evolves to maintain a balanced coexistence. Environmental balance is disturbed when one or several elements get out of control. World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June to raise awareness around the world about the need to protect our environment. Below, we’ll take a look at this year’s theme, the history of the day, and its significance.
World Environment Day 2023: Theme
The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is “Beat Plastic Pollution”, shared with the social media hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. Plastic pollution is increasing beyond human control. Urgent action is needed to incorporate and replace eco-friendly materials. World Environment Day 2023 is being hosted by the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast in West Africa. The Netherlands will be its partner this year. Côte d’Ivoire has already banned plastic bags.
According to the United Nations (UN), more than 400 million pieces of plastic are produced annually worldwide. 50% of it is single use plastic and only 10% can be recycled. These plastic wastes eventually enter rivers, lakes and oceans and endanger marine life. Plastic waste and microplastics have also been found on Mount Everest.
Studies have shown that microplastics or plastic debris have also entered our bloodstream through inhalation, consumption of food and water contaminated with microplastics. Chemical additives in plastics can cause endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, diabetes, obesity, asthma, neurodevelopmental defects, and even cancer. They accumulate over time in our organs, especially our lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen.
World Environment Day 2023: History
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) organizes World Environment Day every year. It was established by the United Nations in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The first World Environment Day was celebrated a year later. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ceremony.
World Environment Day 2023: Significance
The significance of this day lies in its effect. On March 2, 2022, 175 UN member states signed a resolution adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly to end plastic pollution. A legally binding agreement will be drawn up by 2024.