Latest news with #UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme
India Today
a day ago
- General
- India Today
The big fat Indian wedding is quietly triggering a climate chaos
The lavish "big fat Indian wedding" is a cultural spectacle known for its opulence, grandeur, and increasingly, its food over 10 million weddings taking place annually in India, these events have become one of the country's major sources of food wastage and a driver behind rising methane to Feeding India, an NGO working to combat hunger, anywhere between 30 and 50 kilograms of food is wasted at an average Indian wedding. In elite weddings, the amount can soar to a staggering 800 Globally, food waste is a serious concern. The Food Waste Index Report 2024, released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), a UK-based non-profit, states that one crore (10 million) meals are wasted every day report also highlights that household waste makes up the largest share, more than 60%, of this global food India, much of the wedding-related food waste is due to oversized buffets, inaccurate guest estimates, and a general lack of awareness about food donation. Photo: Generative AI by Ayushi Shrivastava) THE CLIMATE CONSEQUENCEThe consequences of this waste extend beyond empty plates. It's contributing significantly to environmental discarded food ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a greenhouse gas that is around 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming can linger in the atmosphere for over 20 years and is responsible for roughly 30% of the rise in global temperatures since pre-industrial change has already exceeded the thresholds set by the Paris Agreement. Food waste from weddings and other events continues to fuel this crisis. The UNEP report notes that 'human-caused methane emissions could be reduced by as much as 45% within the decade,' a change that could prevent nearly 0.3C of global warming by 2045 and keep the planet within the 1.5C limit targeted by the Paris as one billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, about one-third of the world's population experiences food insecurity. Of these, 783 million people struggle with hunger. Globally, food waste is a serious concern. (Photo: Getty) This stark contrast calls for immediate action. Mindful consumption, better planning, and raising awareness about food recovery and donation can significantly reduce food wastage, especially at weddings. Institutional frameworks must be established to streamline food involved in food redistribution should be certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food safety and 2018, the Delhi government took a notable step to reduce food waste by capping the number of guests allowed at weddings. A similar trend emerged naturally during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions led to smaller, more intimate gatherings. However, such measures shouldn't be limited to times of smaller, more mindful celebrations can significantly reduce the enormous food waste typically generated at weddings. It's a step toward both environmental sustainability and social celebration of love and union should not come at the cost of the planet or hungry mouths. A shift towards responsible celebrations can make the big fat Indian wedding truly great for Reel
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Bollywood Actress Dia Mirza Buys BMW iX Electric SUV Worth Rs 1.39 Crore
Bollywood celebrities are slowly adopting luxury electric vehicles, and the latest to join the list is Dia Mirza. The actress, known for her environmental activism, appears to be advancing her agenda with her latest purchase, a fully electric BMW iX. Classified as a luxurious electric vehicle in the Indian market, the EV comes at a starting price of Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom) and seems to be a perfect fit for the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Ambassador's garage. The update on Dia Mirza's new BMW iX was shared on Instagram with pictures and videos of her taking the delivery. With this EV in her garage, the actress has joined the list of celebrities like Riteish Deshmukh, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Ibrahim Ali Khan as an owner of the vehicle. Additionally, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has also been seen driving the vehicle. Dia Mirza's new EV also gets unique features, such as a hexagonal steering wheel and an extensive curved display that includes a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The iX is also equipped with numerous features, such as an electrochromic panoramic glass roof and multi-functional seats that offer memory and massage capabilities. Dia Mirza's BMW iX xDrive50 comes packed with a 111.5 kWh battery pack, which offers a WLTP range of 635 km on a single charge. The charge from the battery is transferred to two electric motors, one placed on each axle, giving it all-wheel-drive capacity. The combined output of these motors is rated at 523 hp and 765 Nm torque. When put to use, they can propel the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds. The battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 35 minutes using a 195 kW DC charger, in 97 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger, in roughly 5.5 hours with a 22 kW AC charger, and in about 11 hours when using an 11 kW AC charger.
Daily Tribune
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions calls for action: Clean the planet, protect the poor
' Plastic waste is killing us, and the poor are hit hardest.' That was the message from Bahrain's main trade union body on World Environment Day, as it called for action on pollution and job security in the face of environmental decline. The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions said working-class areas face the worst of plastic pollution while being left out of decisions on how to deal with it. In a statement marking 5 June, it urged both the government and employers to take greater responsibility for workplace safety and environmental protection. 'Working-class communities and densely populated neighbourhoods are often the most exposed to pollution, amid weak environmental oversight and inadequate infrastructure,' it said. Warning The union drew a direct link between environmental degradation and social inequality, warning that any move towards greener industries must also provide secure jobs and proper training. 'The environmental challenges facing humanity cannot be tackled without a holistic approach that balances ecological security with social rights.' Plastic, it added, has become a danger to public health. Figures The statement cited figures from the United Nations Environment Programme estimating that more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, half of it intended for single use. At least 11 million tonnes are dumped into the seas annually. Microplastic particles have been found in human blood, the air, drinking water and foetal tissue. The union said the move to cleaner sectors must not come at the expense of workers. It called for support in the form of retraining, job security and stricter rules around plastic use and disposal. Policies 'We reject environmental policies that are imposed at the expense of the working class, or that are used to justify austerity or privatisation of public services,' the statement read. It called for national legislation to combat plastic pollution and protect health and safety at work. 'We call on employers and the government to shoulder their environmental and social responsibilities, develop strict national legislation to combat plastic pollution and ensure safe and healthy working environments.' Coordination The statement closed with a call for coordination among labour organisations across the region and beyond. 'We urge all unions and labour federations in the Arab region and beyond to act jointly to build a united front for climate action and decent work, and to defend our shared right to live in a clean environment, work in healthy conditions and help shape a sustainable future.' It ended with a line that summed up the call: 'For a healthy environment, social justice and a dignified future for every worker.'
Herald Malaysia
06-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
World Environment Day 2025: #BeatPlasticPollution
The Republic of Korea hosts the 2025 edition of this World Day as the theme challenges everyone to combat the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution. Jun 06, 2025 World Environment Day observed in Bangladesh (ANSA) By Kielce GussieJune 5 marks World Environment Day – the largest international day dedicated to the environment. Created in 1973 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it has become the biggest environmental outreach, involving the global community across 150 countries in finding solutions to today's most pressing environmental challenges. #BeatPlasticPollution Each year, one country hosts the global celebrations to commemorate the day, and in 2025, they are being held in the Republic of Korea. The theme for 2025 is #BeatPlasticPollution as plastics have polluted almost every aspect of life—seeping into our water, food, and bodies. World Environment Day joins the UNEP-led #BeatPlasticPollution to rally worldwide communities to adopt and support impactful solutions to this issue. This year's World Day points out the growing scientific evidence of the effects of plastic pollution in our world and is centered on garnering support for actions that 'refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink the use of plastics.' A trifecta of problems The use and pollution of plastics amplify the harsh impacts of the triple planetary crisis: climate change; nature, land and biodiversity loss; and pollution and waste. Around the world, about 11 million tons of plastic waste pour into water ecosystems each year. Microplastics load up in the ground soil from sewage and landfills as a result of the use of plastics in agricultural products. Every year, the social and environmental cost of plastic pollution fluctuates between $300 billion and $600 billion. Simple strategy? For decades, plastic pollution has been a major concern as plastics are produced and consumed at an unsustainable rate, which puts the world's health, economic, and social well-being at risk. But, it is also one of the most fixable of the environmental challenges. The UNEP urges governments, companies, and individuals to take on a different approach – one that looks at the 'full life cycle of plastics', from production to consumption to waste management. The goal is to replace harmful, unnecessary plastics with sustainable options that do not negatively impact the environment. A global pact for change But this year's theme is not simply a catchphrase. Rather, it is the continuation of a mission begun in 2022. Three years ago, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, a resolution was adopted that develops an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the aquatic environment. The 2025 World Environment Day also comes as countries continue to work towards establishing this global treaty dedicated to ending plastic pollution. In November 2024, the Republic of Korea hosted the first part of the fifth session of negotiations to develop a plastic pollution treaty. The second part will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5-14.--Vatican News
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
‘2m tonnes of plastic wastes yearly, 86pc mismanaged'
KARACHI: Pakistan is facing an alarming plastic pollution crisis, with nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, 86 percent of which is mismanaged, according to a press release issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) on World Environment Day. The statement reveals that over 1.7 million tonnes of this waste ends up in landfills, open dumping sites, waterways, and food systems—placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan warned that plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, significantly contributing to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. The country ranks among the highest in South Asia in terms of plastic mismanagement, worsening issues related to urban waste disposal and posing serious public health risks. On a global scale, plastics have transformed industries by offering cost-effective, durable alternatives to traditional materials. However, the widespread use of single-use plastics (SUPs) has triggered serious environmental and health concerns. These short-term disposable items, such as bottles, wrappers, bags, and cutlery, are discarded in the billions every day. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that approximately 400 million metric tons of plastic wastes are produced annually, with 36 percent consisting of single-use items. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) found that less than 10 percent of plastic waste in Pakistan is recycled. The rest contributes to inefficient waste diversion and overflows in landfill sites. The situation is further worsened by the absence of an integrated waste management system and minimal investment in material recovery infrastructure. Single-use plastics are most commonly found in food and beverage packaging, such as bottles, takeout containers, grocery bags, straws, and personal care products. Plastic packaging alone accounts for 40 percent of global plastic production, making it the leading contributor to the accumulation of global plastic waste. These products are primarily made from non-biodegradable polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, which can persist in the environment for centuries and cause serious ecological and health hazards. Globally, over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, endangering marine ecosystems. Microplastics—tiny particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items—have entered the global food chain, with traces found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood. Exposure to these particles has been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and higher risks of carcinogenic diseases. Moreover, the plastic industry also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change. Commenting on the gravity of the situation, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, said the world is struggling to tackle plastic pollution, which is adversely affecting human health, ecosystems, and endangered wildlife. He emphasized the urgent need to reduce plastic production and launch joint awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful impacts of plastic usage. 'Despite the government's partial bans on plastic bags, the affordability and convenience of single-use plastics continue to drive excessive consumption,' Khan stated. He called for stronger policy interventions, improved waste recovery systems, and a transition to circular plastic economy models. The situation in Pakistan is particularly concerning, as microplastics have been detected in several drinking water sources, raising alarm about long-term health consequences. Additionally, the country's plastic industry emits substantial amounts of CO₂ each year, heightening its vulnerability to climate change. WWF-Pakistan urged authorities and the public to discourage the production and consumption of plastic products to protect the environment and mitigate health risks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
