Our world is swamped by harmful plastic waste, we must act together to beat plastic pollution

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on World Environment Day, 2018

We are currently under a wave of plastic pollution, from the world’s most remote islands to our urban city centres, plastic is everywhere. 

No ecosystem has been left untouched: plastic can be found on the top of Mount Everest to the Great Barrier Reef, and even our own bloodstreams! 

In addition, this plastic wave is a major driver of climate change as it directly affects our atmosphere. The manufacturing of plastics is currently dependent on fossil fuels, with roughly 8-10 percent of the world’s oil production attributed to the production of plastics. 

The issue is widespread, and their footprint is enormous. While it is true that plastics have allowed us to reduce food loss and waste and have beneficial uses in health and medicine, the staggering increase in low cost and single-use plastics has overwhelmed our ecosystems and our planet. 

The issue of single-use plastics must be tackled. 

The answer to plastic pollution requires a transformation from all sectors of society, including global organizations, state governments, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals. There are some amazing examples of how some stakeholders have already taken action to inspire us all and at the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, in Nairobi, Kenya in 2022, governments agreed to adopt a new global plastics treaty that would put plans in place to deal with this issue. 

While governments are setting out the roadmap, individuals and youth groups must take the necessary steps to put an end to this issue. 

Future generations need all of us to take action. They won’t be able to see healthy water bodies, benefit from clean air, and live in a world where materials and resources are used efficiently, unless we act now. 

This challenge badge will provide you with all the necessary information to understand this issue and its history. 

Upon completion, you will be able to identify different types of plastics, the good and the bad. 

Finally, you will develop the skills to tackle the plastic issue where you are and be able to pass on those skills to your friends, family, and community