RECTOR’S MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Today is World Environment Day (WED), a day set aside by the United Nations to discuss issues bordering on environment. Historically, the commemoration of the Environment Day in the world began in 1972 with a resolution of the UN General Assembly.
In 1973, therefore, the first World Environment Day was celebrated. The theme of that celebration was “Only One Earth.” This year marks 50 years since the world began to celebrate World Environment Day.
Essentially, the celebration of a day on environment is meant to raise awareness on vital issues facing the natural environment. These issues border on air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wild life trade, sea-level increase, sustainable consumption and food security, among others.
The commemoration of the World Environment Day therefore offers a platform for driving global change in consumption patterns. The theme for the celebration of this year’s celebration is Solutions to Plastic Solution. It has become expedient to raise awareness of on the devastation caused to the ecosystem by plastic wastes around the globe.
It is estimated that over 400 million tonnes of plastics is produced every year worldwide, out of which only a marginal fraction is recycled. Thus, an estimated 30 million tonnes end up in oceans, seas and lakes. There are yet millions that end up on the land surface, causing harm to food security.
In succinct terms, plastic wastes damage the ecosystem and impede the ability of the earth to adapt to climate change. This has adverse results on general livelihoods, food production and social well-being. The toxic chemical additives in plastic materials cause cancer and hormonal imbalance. There is therefore need for a concerted and total action against plastic pollution.
There must be a strong policy direction and legislative instruments that govern the use of plastics. Food outlets should refrain from using plastic bags to package foods. Water companies should stop producing water in plastic bags. Vendors of all categories must consider other ways of packaging their products other than wrapping them in plastic materials. Homes, schools, vehicles and offices must have waste bins where plastic wastes are collected for recycling. The environment is ours to cherish and preserve. We must not undermine it through avoidable acts of human negligence.
Only last year, my administration took action in recycling paper wastes. We built a tissue paper factory which today produces high quality tissue paper. By so doing, we have saved the environment of some hazards.
Similarly, we have produced an electric vehicle which is environment-friendly. It does not emit any carbon to the environment because it does not utilize of fossil fuel. In the same vein, our institution has been deliberate in maintaining a green and clean environment that is most conducive for a bountiful intellectual harvest.
As we celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, urge the world to look inwards and creatively see ways of preserving our earth and its humanity. This is a commitment we must exercise now more than ever before.
Engr. Dr. Michael C. Arimanwa FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, FOSHA, JP
Rector
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