By Delicia Janneire
Today, April 22, marks Earth Day, a global observance aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues.
This year, the theme “Planet vs Plastic” underscores the urgent need to address the pervasive problem of plastic pollution.
In Guyana, Earth Day is being commemorated under the theme “Planet verses Plastic”, highlighting the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
Concurrently, an intergovernmental negotiating committee engagement is underway in Ottawa, Canada, to address this pressing issue on a global scale.
Robert Persaud, Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, emphasized the importance of responsible plastic waste management.
He stressed the need for international discussions to focus not only on reducing plastic use but also on effective waste disposal and management strategies.
“With our low carbon development strategy and various initiatives, we must emphasize the importance of taking a balanced approach to responsibly managing plastic waste,” Persaud remarked.
UNDP Resident Representative Gerardo Noto echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need to reduce plastic usage for the sake of human and planetary health.
He called for a 60% reduction in plastic waste by 2040 as part of the 60/40 initiative.
Earth Day, established in 1970, serves as a platform for educating communities about environmental challenges and advocating for sustainable solutions.
It reminds us of the vital importance of environmental protection and sustainability.
As we observe Earth Day, let us renew our commitment to conserving our planet’s beauty and biodiversity while addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution.