Environment Committee Update

Thursday June 5 was World Environment Day, where millions around the world recognised the urgent need to protect and restore our natural environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, calls for global action to tackle the growing crisis of plastic pollution. It highlights the impact of plastic on land, water, and air, and emphasises the need for collective action to address plastic waste.

More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 11 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. That is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers all together.

Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040.

World Environment Day is a moment to reflect on the role each of us plays in shaping a more sustainable world. Our Environment Committee continues to raise awareness around important environmental issues. This term, we have focused on the environmental impact of fast fashion, the persistent issue of microplastics, and the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence technologies. All students are welcome, and encouraged to join the committee every Monday Week B in the theatrette at lunch time.

Lucinda Godwin, 2025 Environment Prefect