ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman urged masses to unite this year to tackle critical issue of plastic pollution in oceans as oceans produce 50 to 75 percent of earth’s oxygen.

In her message on World Oceans Day, Minister said Day was being celebrated all over world including Pakistan. Senator Rehman said day aimed to raise global awareness of importance of oceans and promote their conservation and sustainable management. “Entire planet’s ecology depends on oceans. Plastic pollution is serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. It is estimated that there are millions of tons of plastic in our oceans. Global reports indicate that 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic waste enter oceans every year,” Sherry added.

“If this trend continues, one day there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans,” she said. Nature has blessed Pakistan with marine ecosystem, harmful effects of plastic waste on our own oceans should not be ignored as Pakistan presents 7Rs road-map to combat plastic pollution, Sherry Rehman added.

“We have announced phased ban on single-use plastic items, with aim of reducing its consumption and encouraging use of environmentally friendly alternatives. We have also introduced Hazardous Waste Management Policy for hazardous waste. However, international cooperation is essential to tackle plastic pollution in oceans,” said Minister. She demanded that nation take pledge to protect beautiful ocean on World Oceans Day.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 09 2023

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