ENVIRONMENTAL advocacy group BAN Toxics has sounded the alarm on the critical need to address pressing climate issues of plastic pollution and global warming as the world celebrates World Health Day.
The organization underscores how these interconnected challenges significantly affect public health.
Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Policy Development and Research Officer, emphasized the escalating risks posed by plastic pollution against the backdrop of soaring temperatures driven by human-induced climate change and the El Niño phenomenon.
Lorenzo warned that as the climate warms, plastics degrade faster, leading to increased microplastic contamination and the release of hazardous substances, exacerbating health risks.
Highlighting the immediate health threats posed by the current heat index levels and the El Niño phenomenon, Lorenzo stressed the urgency of addressing plastic pollution alongside traditional climate-related health concerns such as heatstroke and vector-borne diseases.
Lorenzo also pointed out the vicious cycle linking plastic production and climate change. Rising temperatures alter plastic characteristics, driving higher demand and waste production, which, in turn, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further fueling climate change.
In response to these challenges, BAN Toxics urges policymakers to implement comprehensive measures, including a national ban on single-use plastics and reduction targets for virgin plastic production.
The organization emphasizes the need for a holistic approach, spanning the entire lifecycle of plastics, from extraction to disposal.
Despite the enactment of the Extended Producer Responsibility law, BAN Toxics advocates for stronger regulations and international cooperation to tackle plastic pollution effectively.
The Philippines, faced with a staggering amount of mismanaged plastic waste, stands at a critical juncture, underscoring the urgency of concerted action.
As part of its advocacy efforts, BAN Toxics is actively engaging in international negotiations for a binding global treaty on plastic pollution. Lorenzo pointed out the importance of ambitious reduction targets and a comprehensive approach covering all aspects of plastic production and disposal.
On this World Health Day, BAN Toxics calls for a systemic change to safeguard human health, livelihoods, and the environment from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and climate change. (CBC)
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