Minister Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman has said that collective efforts by masses are need of the hour to deal with plastic pollution in oceans as 50 to 75 percent of the earth’s oxygen is produced by the oceans. In her message on Thursday on World Oceans Day was being celebrated all over the world including Pakistan, she said that the day was aimed to raise global awareness of the importance of oceans and promote their conservation and sustainable management.

Sherry Rehman was of the view, “The entire planet’s ecology depends on the oceans. Plastic pollution is a 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 tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year.” “If this trend continues, one day there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans,” she said. Nature has blessed Pakistan with a marine ecosystem, harmful effects of plastic waste on our own oceans should not be ignored as Pakistan presents a 7Rs road-map to combat plastic pollution, she added.

The federal minister said, “We have announced a phased ban on single-use plastic items, with the aim of reducing its 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.” Sherry demanded that the nation take a pledge to protect the beautiful ocean on World Oceans Day.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP