Though 2023 World Environment Day highlighted and acknowledged the efforts of environmentalists, policymakers, and community members who are working tirelessly to create a better world, the event was a reminder that we need to take proactive steps to ensure the sustainability of our planet. Celebrated annually on the 5th of June, the event is an opportunity for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments around the world to come together and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment—in this case, our freshwater bodies. The environment is essential for our survival; we depend on it for our sustenance.
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day focused on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. The slogan “beat plastic pollution” has never been more relevant than it is today. Indeed, our freshwater bodies are facing an unprecedented crisis of plastic pollution, and there is an urgent need to take action to address this issue. Plastic waste is an eyesore, and it poses a severe threat not just to our freshwater bodies but also to human health.
Plastic pollution affects the quality of the water that we depend on. Plastic waste can release toxins into the water, leading to contamination and illness. Yes, water contamination is an essential issue that needs attention, affecting health and reducing access to safe drinking water. Pollutants in water can come from many different sources, including sewage systems. This contamination can lead to cholera, typhoid, cancer, intestinal infections, reproductive issues, and developmental problems as well as impacts the economy with the cost of water treatment and healthcare.
All these concerns have made Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, the Managing Director/CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation, to recently warn about the impact of human activities on fresh water bodies and the likelihood of our rivers going into extinction. He noted that increasing pollution, indiscriminate dumping of waste, and uncontrolled human activities are threatening the survival of Otamiri River, Imo River, Oguta Lake and other freshwater bodies.
According to Ugoanyanwu, human activities such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, deforestation, over-extraction of water, illegal mining and other practices that involve the use of chemicals and fertilizers can significantly pollute our fresh water sources and cause harm to both humans and animals that depend on them. In addition, Ugoanyanwu expressed concern about the rapid extinction of our rivers due to these human activities, stating that many rivers and lakes have already disappeared or are on the brink of extinction. He however advised that efforts such as water conservation, proper waste management, watershed protection, and the use of environmentally friendly practices in agriculture and industry can help minimize the negative effects on freshwater ecosystems. Speaking specifically on plastic pollution of water, Engr Ugoanyanwu has suggested that various initiatives should be organized to raise more awareness, including organizing massive public events, educational programs, and campaigns.
In fact, for me, one of the most significant steps individuals can take is to reduce their use of plastic products. This can include using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic products. Individuals can also properly dispose of their plastic waste by recycling or composting it. Collaborating with the local government, communities can also play a role in beating plastic pollution. Community-led initiatives, such as beach cleanups and plastic waste reduction campaigns, can raise awareness about the problem of plastic pollution in a local context. Organizations can also work with their suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic in their products, and they can design products with the environment in mind. Governments can enforce policies that reduce plastic waste, such as taxes on single-use plastic products or bans on plastic bags. They can also promote recycling initiatives and invest in infrastructure to support waste reduction and management efforts. Together, we can beat hazardous human activities and create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
Christopher Ononukwe, ISWSC Communications Desk Officer, writes via christopherononukwe@gmail.com
Protecting Our Freshwater Bodies Against Hazardous Human Activities
Though 2023 World Environment Day highlighted and acknowledged the efforts of environmentalists, policymakers, and community members who are working tirelessly to create a better world, the event was a reminder that we need to take proactive steps to ensure the sustainability of our planet. Celebrated annually on the 5th of June, the event is an opportunity for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments around the world to come together and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment—in this case, our freshwater bodies. The environment is essential for our survival; we depend on it for our sustenance.
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day focused on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. The slogan “beat plastic pollution” has never been more relevant than it is today. Indeed, our freshwater bodies are facing an unprecedented crisis of plastic pollution, and there is an urgent need to take action to address this issue. Plastic waste is an eyesore, and it poses a severe threat not just to our freshwater bodies but also to human health.
Plastic pollution affects the quality of the water that we depend on. Plastic waste can release toxins into the water, leading to contamination and illness. Yes, water contamination is an essential issue that needs attention, affecting health and reducing access to safe drinking water. Pollutants in water can come from many different sources, including sewage systems. This contamination can lead to cholera, typhoid, cancer, intestinal infections, reproductive issues, and developmental problems as well as impacts the economy with the cost of water treatment and healthcare.
All these concerns have made Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, the Managing Director/CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation, to recently warn about the impact of human activities on fresh water bodies and the likelihood of our rivers going into extinction. He noted that increasing pollution, indiscriminate dumping of waste, and uncontrolled human activities are threatening the survival of Otamiri River, Imo River, Oguta Lake and other freshwater bodies.
According to Ugoanyanwu, human activities such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, deforestation, over-extraction of water, illegal mining and other practices that involve the use of chemicals and fertilizers can significantly pollute our fresh water sources and cause harm to both humans and animals that depend on them. In addition, Ugoanyanwu expressed concern about the rapid extinction of our rivers due to these human activities, stating that many rivers and lakes have already disappeared or are on the brink of extinction. He however advised that efforts such as water conservation, proper waste management, watershed protection, and the use of environmentally friendly practices in agriculture and industry can help minimize the negative effects on freshwater ecosystems. Speaking specifically on plastic pollution of water, Engr Ugoanyanwu has suggested that various initiatives should be organized to raise more awareness, including organizing massive public events, educational programs, and campaigns.
In fact, for me, one of the most significant steps individuals can take is to reduce their use of plastic products. This can include using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic products. Individuals can also properly dispose of their plastic waste by recycling or composting it. Collaborating with the local government, communities can also play a role in beating plastic pollution. Community-led initiatives, such as beach cleanups and plastic waste reduction campaigns, can raise awareness about the problem of plastic pollution in a local context. Organizations can also work with their suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic in their products, and they can design products with the environment in mind. Governments can enforce policies that reduce plastic waste, such as taxes on single-use plastic products or bans on plastic bags. They can also promote recycling initiatives and invest in infrastructure to support waste reduction and management efforts. Together, we can beat hazardous human activities and create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
Christopher Ononukwe, ISWSC Communications Desk Officer, writes via christopherononukwe@gmail.com