2025 World Environment Day: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Republic of Korea

By Kielce Gussie

June 5 marks World Environment Day, the largest international observance dedicated to environmental issues. Established in 1973 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this vital day has evolved into a significant global outreach, bringing together the efforts of approximately 150 countries in a unified quest for solutions to daunting environmental challenges.

BeatPlasticPollution

In 2025, the Republic of Korea will be the host for the World Environment Day celebrations, spotlighting the crucial theme of #BeatPlasticPollution. Plastic pollution has permeated our everyday lives, affecting everything from the air we breathe to the food we consume. This year’s observance seeks to shed light on the extensive ramifications of plastic pollution, urging communities worldwide to adopt impactful measures that revolve around five guiding actions: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink the use of plastics.

As plastic waste seeps into water sources, food chains, and even human bodies, the need for concerted action has never been more critical.

A Trifecta of Problems

Plastic pollution complicates our reality in the midst of an acute triple planetary crisis: climate change, loss of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and escalating pollution and waste. The alarming statistic reveals that around 11 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, causing irreversible damage to aquatic life and ecosystems. Microplastics also find their way into agricultural practices, contaminating soil and threatening food safety. The economic burden of plastic pollution varies yearly, estimated between $300 billion and $600 billion, revealing a significant strain on global resources.

Simple Strategy?

Despite the overwhelming nature of this crisis, the solutions to plastic pollution are, in many ways, straightforward. Plastics are produced and consumed at unsustainable rates, posing risks to global health, economic stability, and social equity. However, addressing plastic pollution is not an insurmountable task; it remains one of the more fixable environmental challenges we face today.

The UNEP is advocating for a holistic approach that evaluates the entire life cycle of plastics—from production and consumption to waste management. By promoting alternatives that are sustainable and minimally harmful to the environment, impactful change can be secured.

A Global Pact for Change

The 2025 theme of World Environment Day, while urgent, is also reflective of a longer-term vision. It is a continuation of a mission ignited in 2022 during the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, where a pivotal resolution was passed. This resolution underscores the development of an international legally binding instrument focusing on plastic pollution, particularly in aquatic environments.

The upcoming World Environment Day will coincide with ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Following the first part of these negotiations held in the Republic of Korea in November 2024, the second segment is scheduled for Geneva, Switzerland, from August 5-14. This engaging initiative not only highlights the need for immediate action but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit essential to secure a safer planet for future generations.

Community Involvement

In the lead-up to 2025, various community-driven initiatives will be taking place across the globe. Schools, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to hold campaigns that emphasize the significance of reducing plastic waste. Simple actions such as organizing clean-up drives, conducting educational workshops, or launching "plastic-free" challenges can galvanize community action and foster a culture of sustainability.

Call to Action

As the Republic of Korea prepares to welcome the world to its shores in 2025, the call to action is clear. Governments, businesses, and individuals must come together to innovate and implement solutions that address the plastic pollution crisis head-on. By fostering collaborative efforts, we can create a more sustainable future and champion the health of our planet.

World Environment Day encapsulates both the urgency of the current environmental landscape and a beacon of hope that communities can band together in the fight against plastic pollution. As we approach this pivotal date in 2025, let the mantra of #BeatPlasticPollution resonate through our collective efforts—every action counts, and the time for change is now.