They are an example of the efforts of thousands of people and organizations that sacrifice and constantly work for the protection of the environment. Their work has now been recognized by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) through the Champions of the Earth 2023 distinctions.
They are Josefina Belmonte, mayor of Quezon City (Philippines), the non-profit Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Blue Circle Initiative (China), José Manuel Moller (Chile) and the Scientific and Industrial Research Council of South Africa.
Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award has been awarded to pioneering initiatives to protect people and the planet. This award constitutes the highest distinction of the United Nations in environmental matters. To date, the award has recognized 116 people, including the five champion initiatives of 2023: 27 global authorities, 70 individuals and 19 organizations. UNEP has received a record 2,500 nominations this cycle, marking the third consecutive year in which nominations have reached a record number.
"Plastic pollution is a deeply worrying aspect of the triple planetary crisis. For the sake of our health and the planet, we must end plastic pollution. This requires nothing less than a comprehensive transformation to reduce the amount of plastics produced and eliminate single-use plastics; and to replace them with reuse systems and alternatives that avoid the negative environmental and social impacts we see today due to plastic pollution," said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. "As negotiations progress towards a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, this year's Champions of the Earth demonstrate that there are innovative solutions that can inspire us to re-think our relationship with plastic."
Mayor Josefina Belmonte of Quezon City, Philippines, winner of the Political Leadership category, is spearheading environmental and social action through a series of policies to combat the climate crisis, end plastic pollution and green the urban fabric . Her initiatives include a ban on single-use plastics, an exchange program for polluting plastics, refilling stations for everyday items, and the defense and promotion of a strict global policy on plastics.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United Kingdom), winner in the Inspiration and Action category, has played a decisive role in incorporating a life cycle approach, which includes plastics. The foundation has published reports and established networks between decision makers in the public and private sectors, as well as academia, to develop initiatives and solutions throughout the life cycle to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, among other challenges. The organization leads the Global Commitment (for the New Plastics Economy) in collaboration with UNEP.
Blue Circle (China), a company awarded in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is leveraging blockchain technology and the Internet of Things to measure and monitor the entire life cycle of plastic pollution, from collection to regeneration, remanufacturing and resale. To date, it has collected more than 10,700 tons of marine debris, making it the largest marine plastic waste management program in China.
José Manuel Moller (Chile), also awarded in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is the founder of Algramo, a company with a social vocation dedicated to offering supply refill services that reduce plastic pollution and lower the costs of premium items. need. Likewise, José Moller works to prevent, reduce and sustainably manage waste in his capacity as vice-chair of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board of Eminent Persons, an initiative created in March 2023.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, South Africa), winner of the Science and Innovation category, is a scientific and industrial research council that uses cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary knowledge to propose innovations to combat plastic and other pollution. challenges. Its pioneering work is identifying sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, establishing opportunities for local manufacturing and economic development, and examining the biodegradability of plastics.
Plastic has transformed everyday life and brought many benefits to society. However, humanity produces about 430 million tons of plastic every year, two thirds of which soon become trash. The addiction to short-lived plastics has created what experts say is an environmental nightmare.
Every year, between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems, contaminating lakes, rivers and seas. This implies that emissions associated with the production, use and disposal of conventional plastics made from fossil fuels could cause almost a fifth (20%) of global greenhouse gas emissions under the most ambitious goals of the Agreement. Paris on climate change. The chemicals in plastic have been associated with health problems in humans.
To live
The UNEP Champions of the Earth awards honor individuals and organizations whose actions have had a positive transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN's highest environmental award.
