The direct incorporation of plastic into our food is becoming a major threat to human health, Shahbaz Sharif.
Islamabad: The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is facing severe economic risks due to climate change.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, in his message on Earth Day 2024, said that today Earth Day is being celebrated all around the world, including Pakistan. The basic purpose of celebrating this day is to remind everyone of their responsibility to protect the planet Earth and to reiterate the commitment to preserving this planet for future generations.
He said that Earth Day 2024 is being celebrated with the theme Planet vs Plastics, with the aim of reducing plastic use by 60% by 2040. Let us pledge today to responsibly use plastic. Excessive use of plastic is not only polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans but is also becoming a major threat to human health by being directly included in our food.
He said that although Pakistan is at the top of the list of countries most affected by climate change, there is a lack of awareness about the risks of climate change on our country’s development, prosperity, and public health. With each passing year, the adverse effects of climate change are increasing, resulting in severe risks, especially economic risks, for Pakistan. Keeping this in mind, we are taking decisive and sustainable actions to control these risks.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the government has enacted the (Prevention of) Single-Use Plastic Regulations 2023 and imposed a complete ban on the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in all federal ministries.
He said that collective determination to reduce plastic pollution and plastic production in Pakistan is essential to cultivating leadership at the provincial and local government levels as well. I appeal to all stakeholders to play their part in the protection of our country and the planet Earth.
He further said that I appeal to all Pakistanis to support the government in this important mission. Let us all come together to abandon single-use plastics, use environmentally friendly alternatives, promote recycling, and participate in the implementation of societal policies for environmental protection.