Every year, the April 22the world celebrates the Earth Day, a day dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and action. The 2024 focuses on a critical theme: the fight against plastic pollution. But what makes this year particularly significant?
160 financial companies from all over the world are coming forward, not only to exhort but to request legally binding actions against plastic pollution. These companies, which range from some of the world's largest investors, are urging governments to take decisive action.
Precisely in these days it is held at Ottawa, Canadathe penultimate round of negotiations of the United Nations (INC-4) to define a Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution. The target? Finalize a draft by the end of 2024 that includes ambitious rules covering the entire life cycle of plastic: from production to disposal and recycling.
The financial signatures underline the importance of more stringent regulations, which can also guide the private sector towards more conscious and sustainable choices. In particular, we are asked to establish clear and shared objectives, similar to what has already been seen with theParis Climate Agreement.
The devastating impact of plastic: Not just for Earth Day
Plastic pollution isn't just a visual problem: it's a serious one environmental damage. It could be responsible for the 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 if we do not act. Plastic comes from highly polluting industries and is often found in poorer countries.
Every stage of plastic's life, from oil wells to landfills, is a danger. Plastic products can release harmful chemicals or have lethal combustionsnegatively affecting hormonal balances and more tragically, causing the death of marine and terrestrial wildlife.
One of the strongest appeals of this Earth Day is for the reduction of 60% of plastic production by 2040 and, consequently, the cessation of single-use plastic production by 2030. It is essential that the adopted global treaty reflects these objectives, supporting principles of precaution and the rule of “the polluter pays”.
This vision would not only reduce pollution and improve the health of our planet, but also offer a more sustainable future for future generations, freeing oceans, rivers and cities from the permanent damage of plastic.
What do you think about it? Will we be able to see a world without plastic in our future, or are these just utopian dreams? We should celebrate Earth Day every day. Do not you think?
Join the discussion and contribute to the protection of our planet too!
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