Updated: 22-04-2024
Source: China Meteorological News Press
22 April 2024 ushers in the 55th Earth Day, with the theme of “Planet vs. Plastics”. This anniversary takes place every year on 22 April and is one of the biggest environmental protest movements on the planet.
As we all know, excessive plastics have taken a toll on the environment, aggravating pollution to some extent.
In itself, plastic contains toxic chemical matters, which pose a threat to humanity and nature.
And then let's see the status quo of “plastic” worldwide.
According to the data released by the United Nations (UN), more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean, and on many occasions, working their way into the human food chain.
It is common knowledge that plastic pollution is a huge problem faced by humanity. But what is less touched upon is exactly how plastic contributes to global warming.
As a matter of fact, we have already taken vigorous measures to curb fossil-fuel use in sectors such as transportation and heating. However, we can still find out that plastic consumption is still jumping, based on the current trajectory and trend.
On top of this situation, some research suggests that microplastics exert an impact on the capability of marine microorganisms to absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen.
Marine debris, including plastics, paper, wood, metal and other manufactured material is found on beaches worldwide and at all depths of the ocean. Source: UN website
And here comes the condition of more evident global warming.
How to grapple with this situation and protect our earth home?
Source: UNEP website
The international community is constantly urged to formulate solution plans to combat plastic pollution on many occasions in recent years.
It is imperative to take effective action and mitigate the effects of plastics on global warming, thus contributing to a greener and more sustainable planet.
On this occasion, we are really driven to urge collective action to tackle the problem of plastics and safeguard our beautiful planet.
According to the official website of this anniversary, climate and environmental literacy, coupled with strong civic education, will create jobs, build a green consumer market and allow citizens to engage with their governments in a meaningful way to address the climate crisis.
Since we have gained an understanding of how plastics contribute to climate change, we are more aware to address this issue for the benefit of our dear earth home.
In the first place, awareness about environmental protection should be formed. Garbage sorting has been in place in many places of China now. Actually, this initiative has been a useful method to protect our environment. The plastic is also a case a point. Plastic rubbish should not be piled up haphazardly and littered about. It is preferable to dispose of nondegradable plastic products and cultivate a green and environmentally friendly lifestyle concept. Besides, it's advocated to start from ourselves and then publicize relevant environmental knowledge to others and the community. It's also helpful to refrain from using nondegradable plastic bags and limit the use of plastic package, and resort to environmental cloth bags, paper bages, non-plastic products, and degradable shopping bags.
Editor: LIU Shuqiao