South Korea is like much of the rest of the planet: under pressure to swiftly, effectively and sustainably utilise existing resources.
That sense of urgency is well evident in the country, which is the size of Portugal butt with a population of nearly 52 million.
The challenge of consumption and disposal is prominent across South Korea, where there is little room for landfills, with one of the largest set to be full by 2025.
Nevertheless, there are strict recycling policies in the country, with both penalties for non-compliance and rewards for those who report violators.
Marked annually on June 5, World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972. Over the years, it has become a notable platform for environmental outreach.
South Korea is set to host the Day in 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally, the UN Environment Programme and the Republic of Korea have announced.
World Environment Day – A Notable Platform For Environmental Outreach
Ridding the Earth of notorious plastics is an important contribution to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, including those on climate action and sustainable production.
Highlighting the importance of strong partnerships, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, thanked the Asian country for taking up the mantle of hosting the annual Day.
“World Environment Day in 2025 will be a watershed moment for the conservation of the global environment as we expect to have concluded the global plastic agreement.”
Continuing, South Korean Environment Minister Han Wha-jin confirmed the country’s responsibilities as the host to lead international efforts to prevent plastic pollution.
Almost two-thirds of the 430 million tonnes of plastic produced across the globe annually are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean and even the human food chain.
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As the Republic of Korea prepares for the Day, it remains to be seen how effectively it highlights the havoc wrecked by plastic pollution all over the world.
