The world produces 400 million tonnes of plastic each year, according to the United Nations, with half used only once. Despite rising output, only 10 per cent of plastic waste is recycled. The rest piles up in landfills, oceans and rivers.
Each year, 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic seep into aquatic ecosystems, choking marine life and contaminating drinking sources.
Without urgent intervention, that number could rise by 50 per cent by 2040, making cleanup efforts more costly and complex.
A GROWING THREAT TO PLANET AND PEOPLE
Plastic waste now pollutes every part of the planet, from mountain ranges to the ocean floor. No region is untouched. Microplastics—tiny particles that break off larger plastic items—are found in food, air, and drinking water, entering human bodies daily.
The average person ingests over 50,000 plastic particles annually. When including inhalation, the number climbs significantly higher. Health experts worry these particles may disrupt hormones, damage organs and carry toxic chemicals into the bloodstream.
PLASTIC AND CLIMATE: A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP
Plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels, and incineration releases harmful emissions. It’s a growing driver of climate change.
If current trends continue, air pollution from plastics could exceed safe thresholds by 50 per cent in just ten years. Simultaneously, plastic pollution in marine and freshwater systems could triple by 2040, putting biodiversity and food chains at risk.
UN UNITES THE WORLD ON ENVIRONMENT DAY
In response, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is leading World Environment Day 2025 on June 5, hosted in Jeju, Korea.
The event—now in its 52nd year—is the largest environmental platform globally, uniting leaders, communities, and activists. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, focuses on phasing out plastic dependency through sustainable, inclusive and fair solutions.
A PUSH TOWARD A PLASTIC-FREE TREATY
A central aim of this year’s action is progress toward a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.
Negotiations are ongoing, with countries expected to reconvene in August for another round of talks on treaty terms.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an “ambitious, credible and just” agreement that addresses plastic from production to disposal. He emphasized the urgency of aligning treaty efforts with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially climate and health goals.
GLOBAL LEADERS DEMAND REAL CHANGE
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen called on nations to rally around bold innovation and alternatives to plastic use.
She stressed the need for unity in finding scalable solutions that work for both people and the planet long-term. “We cannot afford delay. The time to act is now,” Andersen said, urging swift, coordinated action at all levels of society.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: A CATALYST FOR GLOBAL COMMITMENTS
World Environment Day is more than a moment—it’s a movement. It channels attention toward climate talks and international cooperation.
It is expected to build momentum for the UN Environment Assembly later this year, where nations may adopt concrete measures. Many hope the treaty negotiations will finalize a roadmap for eliminating plastic pollution and reshaping global production and consumption patterns.
PLASTIC-FREE FUTURE: A GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
Beating plastic pollution will require more than policy. It needs changes in consumer habits, industry standards, and local waste systems.
Governments must invest in circular economies. Businesses must redesign products. Citizens must reduce, reuse and demand alternatives. Together, the world can break its toxic reliance on plastic—and forge a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future for all.
