On the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5th, the World Wildlife Fund issued a warning that plastic waste has accounted for 80% of the total waste in the Mediterranean. The organization emphasizes that this is not only an environmental issue, but scientific evidence shows that it poses a greater threat to the health of humans and animals.
According to reports from Italy's Rainews news website and the 24-hour Sun newspaper, the World Wildlife Fund has stated in its latest report that over 410 million tons of plastic products, mainly made from fossil fuels, are currently released worldwide each year. Since its widespread adoption in the 1950s, over 9 billion tons of plastic products have been produced globally, with a recycling rate of less than 10%. Analysis shows that plastic pollution accounts for 80% of waste in the Mediterranean coastal and marine ecosystems, with over half being disposable plastic products.
The report points out that the Mediterranean has become one of the most severely polluted seas by microplastics. This situation is worrying because the Mediterranean is home to 18% of the world's marine species. In recent years, the human health hazards caused by microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment have also attracted widespread attention. Multiple studies have shown that microplastics are already present in bulk foods such as salt, honey, meat, fruits and vegetables, especially seafood. Estimates show that each person may ingest up to 52000 plastic particles per year.
The World Wildlife Fund has launched the "Plastic Free Nature" global initiative, aiming to achieve a plastic free environment by 2030. The organization calls on governments of all countries to adopt a legally binding global plastic pollution treaty and negotiate it at the next United Nations negotiations in Geneva.
The Italian Institute of Environmental Protection and Research has pointed out that approximately 100000 marine mammals and 1 million seabirds die each year due to entanglement in abandoned fishing nets or ingestion of plastic debris. 86% of underwater waste is related to fishing activities, and these "ghost fishing gear" have become one of the most hidden sources of marine pollution. The microplastics produced by the degradation of these fishing gear are ingested by organisms and eventually enter the food chain.
To address the plastic crisis, the organization is carrying out multiple actions to control marine plastic pollution, including restoring and protecting marine habitats, locating and restoring at least 15 abandoned breeding facility clusters, mapping Italian coastal habitats, and conducting a survey of marine ecosystems.
Vania Gava, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Security of Italy, said, "Italy is investing heavily in recycling facilities, technology, and industrial chain construction to reduce environmental burden and promote a true circular economy. We are also actively participating in international negotiations to develop effective strategies, but without the joint efforts of the government, businesses, and citizens, any goals will be achieved. This is the core significance of environmental education and the key direction of our efforts
