World Environment Day 2023 Event

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent Video. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we gather here to mark World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against the grave issue of plastic pollution. As we look around, we witness the alarming consequences of our excessive use and disposal of plastic, which has infiltrated every corner of our planet. However, we also have the power to change this trajectory and restore the health of our environment. Together, we can beat plastic pollution. Plastic, once hailed as a miracle material, has now become a symbol of our reckless consumption and disregard for nature. It is estimated that every year, around 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, wreaking havoc on marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics have even entered our food chain, posing a threat to human health. The time to act is now, and each one of us has a role to play.

First and foremost, we must reduce our dependence on single-use plastics. These items, like plastic bags, bottles, and straws, are used for mere moments but persist in the environment for hundreds of years. By adopting sustainable alternatives such as reusable bags, water bottles, and utensils, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste we generate. Let us make a conscious effort to say "no" to single-use plastics and embrace eco-friendly choices.

Recycling is another crucial aspect of combating plastic pollution. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of plastic waste is recycled worldwide. We must strive to improve waste management systems, educate communities about recycling practices, and encourage manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind. By closing the loop on plastic production and consumption, we can reduce the need for virgin plastic and conserve valuable resources.

Furthermore, the power of individual actions should not be underestimated. Each time we dispose of plastic responsibly, we prevent it from entering our rivers, oceans, and landfills. Every beach cleanup, every plastic bottle recycled, and every plastic straw refused contributes to the collective effort against plastic pollution. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join the cause and be mindful of their plastic consumption. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change.

But it is not just about individual actions; we must also hold governments and industries accountable. We need stronger regulations and policies that promote sustainable practices, ban harmful plastics, and incentivize innovation in plastic alternatives. By demanding change from our leaders, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Education and awareness play a pivotal role in our fight against plastic pollution. We must educate ourselves and others about the environmental impacts of plastic, as well as the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and community initiatives, we can empower individuals and communities to make informed choices and become catalysts for change.

It is time to transit to a circular economy, where plastics are recycled, repurposed, or reintegrated into the production cycle. As the biggest producer and exporter of plastics in the world, China plays a unique role in driving the transition to a circular economy for plastics globally.

In 2020, the Government of China released an ambitious plan to ban or significantly reduce the production and use of environmentally-unfriendly plastic products by 2025. By 2025, China expects to effectively control plastic pollution, substantially reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills of key cities, and establish a complete plastics management system. We see the country is gradually banning or restricting the production, sales and use of certain plastics while promoting degradable, recycle-friendly alternatives.

In conclusion, as we commemorate World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment to beat plastic pollution. It is a challenge that requires collective action, innovative solutions, and a shift in our mindset. Together, we can build a future where plastic pollution is nothing more than a dark chapter in our history. Let us be the generation that takes a stand, protects our environment, and secures a sustainable future for all.

Thank you.