8-12mmt Wastes Pollute Ocean Anually, Sherry Calls For Collaborative Effort

News Desk

Islamabad: Global reports indicate that 8 to 12 million metric tonnes (mmt) of plastic waste enter the oceans every year which raises an alarm that plastic pollution is a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems as the entire planet’s ecology depends on the oceans, said Ministry of Climate Change Federal Minister Sherry Rehman.

Senator Sherry Rehman urged the masses to unite this year to tackle the critical issue of plastic pollution in the oceans, as the oceans produce 50 to 75 per cent of the earth’s oxygen.

She further said that World Oceans Day aimed to raise global awareness of the importance of oceans and promote their conservation and sustainable management. “It is estimated that there are millions of tonnes of plastic in our oceans. If this trend continues, one day there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans,” Sherry added.

7Rs Strategy To End Plastic Pollution

Nature has blessed Pakistan with a marine ecosystem and the harmful effects of plastic waste on our own oceans should not be ignored. It is high time for the country to embrace the 7 Rs strategy to end worsening plastic pollution through the circular economy model which helps to overcome the menace of plastic waste with multiple mutually beneficial opportunities, remarked Federal Minister.

🌊 Today, on #WorldOceansDay, we celebrate the vital role of our oceans. They provide us with more than just breathtaking beauty and waterways for trade. Oceans produce over 50% of the world's oxygen, sustaining life on Earth. They are a source of food and livelihood for… pic.twitter.com/Nbl9cxpaiM

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 8, 2023

The Ministry has rolled out a roadmap to combat plastic pollution through the 7Rs agenda action based on ‘resource, research, responsibility, recycle, re-use, redesign, and reduce’.

Senator Rehman further stated that the 7Rs strategy demanded everyone make conscious choices to reduce plastic consumption by reimagining the design and manufacturing of plastic products to minimise their environmental impact, extending the lifespan of products and packaging, reducing reliance on single-use plastics, transforming plastic waste into new materials for circularity, and reducing the burden on landfills and oceans.

“We have announced a phased ban on single-use plastic items, with the aim of reducing their consumption and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. We have also introduced a Hazardous Waste Management Policy for hazardous waste. However, international cooperation is essential to tackle plastic pollution in the oceans,” added the Minister.

Meanwhile, the experts have called for exploring effective strategies for reducing plastic waste and creating a livable urban future in the country. A Twitter Space titled ‘Reducing Plastic Waste for a Livable Urban Future in Pakistan’ was held on World Environment Day which was jointly organised by the Institute of Urbanism (IoU) and the School of Leadership (SoLF) with the support of the U.S. Embassy.

Over 1/3 of global fish stocks are being harvested at unsustainable levels – just one example of how human activity is harming oceans, which cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface.

“The ocean is the foundation of life.” – @antonioguterres https://t.co/amwX0N4WjS

Attachments pic.twitter.com/ToOFBXE1kv

— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) June 9, 2023

According to research, every year, 55 billion plastic bags are used, and the rate is increasing drastically by 15 per cent annually. Pakistan is recycling very little in the informal sector, as only 3-4 per cent of the plastic waste is reprocessed.

Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak EPA) Director General Farzana Altaf emphasised the importance of initiating public-private partnerships to bring about impactful change. She said, “We need more coordination amongst all the stakeholders involved to truly combat the issue of plastic pollution.”

Upon asking WWF-Pakistan Senior Manager Climate & Energy Nazifa Butt about the major industries involved in plastic pollution, she mentioned that all the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), food and beverage industries, and textile sectors are plastic producers as well as major contributors to the percentage of plastic waste in our waste generation.

While talking about the youth’s involvement in a plastic-free, sustainable future, Senior Environmentalist MomeSaleemstated that the government’s Green Youth Movement (GYM) programme sounds like a commendable initiative. By fostering eco-innovation and testing ideas, this programme can contribute to finding sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

By working together, it is believed that Pakistan can create cleaner and healthier plastic-free cities for future generations; experts remarked.