ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Here's why our oceans may have more plastic than fish

The United Nations called for proper disposal of plastic waste, saying more than 8 million tonnes end up in the ocean

The World Environment Day is the United Nations' (UN) most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

The theme for the World Environment Day 2018 is "Beat Plastic Pollution" which focus attention on pressing environmental concerns around the world.

The theme invites everyone to consider how they can make changes in their everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our natural places.

ADVERTISEMENT

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations in his message marking the day on June 5, 2018, said a healthy planet was essential for a prosperous and peaceful future, spelling out that: “We all have a role to play in protecting our only home.”

“Our world is swamped by harmful plastic waste,” he stated. “Every year, more than eight million tonnes end up in the oceans.”

Pointing out the astonishing comparison between stars in the cosmos and ocean plastics, Guterres underscored that “from remote islands to the Arctic, nowhere is untouched.”

“If present trends continue, by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish,” he said.

On World Environment Day, Guterres is encouraging everyone to also stop using plastic products which are designed just to be thrown away, such as plastic bottles.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Refuse what you can’t re-use,” he asserted.

“Together, we can chart a path to a cleaner, greener world,” concluded the Secretary-General.

Since it was first celebrated in 1974, the Day has helped raise awareness and generate political momentum around global environmental concerns such as ozone depletion, desertification and global warming.

In Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, vice president, joined the world by participating in activities marking the Day, at the State House Conference Center, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

ADVERTISEMENT

Osinbajo while speaking on Tuesday at an event to mark the 2018 World Environment Day, said the Ministry of Environment was working in partnership with the state governments to develop a national plastic waste recycling programme involving the establishment of recycling plants across Nigeria.

According to him, eight of the plastic waste recycling plants have been completed and handed over to the states, while 18 others were in various stages of completion.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT