Today, June 5th, is World Environment Day, an important occasion to reflect on the impact our daily actions have on the planet and to strengthen our commitment to a more sustainable future. Established by the UN in 1972, this day invites us to become aware of the environmental challenges the world faces, from climate change to biodiversity loss, from pollution to the responsible management of natural resources.
One of the most pressing issues concerns waste management. According to UNEP, more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide every year, and this amount is expected to increase by 70% by 2050 if we do not adopt more sustainable practices. Only a fraction of this waste is properly collected and recycled, while a large amount ends up in illegal landfills or pollutes seas and lands, causing irreparable damage to the environment and human health.
This year, the country chosen to host World Environment Day 2025 celebrations and events is South Korea, in the city of Jeju. The focus of this year's event is ‘Defeating Plastic Pollution’, carried out under the hashtag #beatplasticpollution, with the aim of mobilising governments, companies and citizens to reduce the use of plastic and promote a circular economy. ( Read more: World Environment Day)
At a time when the health of our ecosystem is more at risk than ever, every gesture counts: from reducing waste to choosing renewable energy, through more conscious consumption and responsible waste management. World Environment Day is an invitation to everyone - citizens, institutions and businesses - to work together to protect our common home.
Read more: Beyond an age of waste