World Environment Day is being celebrated on June 5, 2025, under the theme: « End Plastic Pollution ». In this interview with Environnementales, Piotr Barczak, Circular Economy Program Manager at Africa Circular, and Council Member at the European Environmental Bureau, discusses the merits and challenges of the theme chosen for this 53rd celebration, as well as the urgent policies that need to be put in place to preserve the health of our planet and guarantee a livable future for all. All this at a time when plastic pollution is at its worst, particularly in Africa.
Inès Magoum : This June 5, the world celebrates World Environment Day, under the theme “End Plastic Pollution”. A theme which of course fits in with current events concerning plastic. But, will another day of talking about the negative impact of plastic pollution really advance the fight ?
Piotr Barczak : This year’s World Environment Day is hosted by the Republic of Korea and indeed is themed « Ending Plastic Pollution ». While it’s true that simply discussing the negative impacts of plastic pollution on this day may seem repetitive, this year will see some final negotiations on the Global Plastic Treaty, just 2 months later in Geneva, Switzerland. So, according to me, it it does not harm to have this years 5th June focused on plastic. It provides an opportunity to renew commitments and galvanize action. The real advancement lies in leveraging this global momentum to push for concrete policies, behavioral changes, and industry commitments that reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and innovate towards sustainable alternatives. Awareness days like World Environment Day serve as catalysts for policy discussions, public engagement, and corporate responsibility, crucial for sustained progress in tackling plastic pollution.
What is at stake today in the fight against plastic pollution, whose objectives have evolved over the years, moving from simple waste management to more global, sustainable management ?
The fight against plastic pollution has evolved significantly from mere waste management to a broader, more holistic approach centered around production and consumption. Today, the objectives include reducing plastic production, increasing alternative reusable options to deliver our consumables, increasing durability of plastics by increasing durability of products, improving recyclability, and overall fostering circular economy models that minimize waste generation. Despite these advancements, significant obstacles persist, including inadequate infrastructure for waste collection and recycling in many regions, insufficient consumer awareness, and the pervasive presence of single-use plastics in everyday life. Overcoming these challenges requires coordinated efforts across governments, industries, and communities to implement effective policies, invest in sustainable technologies, sustainable trade, extended producer responsibility policies that contribute to upstream solutions and educate the public about responsible consumption.
A decisive global Plastics Treaty to put an end to plastic pollution. This is what environmentalists and certain governments are calling for. Will it or won’t it be discussed on June 5, during the international exchanges to which you are certainly invited, as a member of several international organizations?
Certainly it will be part of the discussion. The call for a Global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution is the potentially the highest level tool to address the problem at a global level and thus it has been gaining momentum among environmentalists and some governments. As someone involved in international environmental organizations, discussions on such treaties are indeed critical. June 5 may serve as yet another opportunity to advocate for its importance and garner global support.
Also, as someone with over 13 years’ experience in developing circular economy policies, particularly for Africa, what could change with the adoption of this global treaty, especially for Africa, which in addition to lagging behind in its waste management, is today considered to be the dustbin of Western countries? Beyond this treaty, what other concrete actions are urgently needed to step up the fight against plastic waste pollution? Exactly what type of plastic are we talking about?
Such a treaty would set binding targets for plastic reduction, encourage international cooperation on waste management, and promote innovation in plastic alternatives. Its adoption could significantly impact Africa, addressing not only waste management deficiencies but also reducing the continent’s role as a dumping ground for plastic waste from developed nations. Beyond a global Plastics Treaty, several urgent actions are needed to combat plastic waste pollution comprehensively. These include targeted regulations on single-use plastics, investment in recycling infrastructure, promotion of eco-design in product manufacturing, and consumer education. The focus is primarily on reducing the most problematic plastics, such as single-use packaging and microplastics, which pose significant environmental and health risks. For Africa, adopting these measures could catalyze sustainable development, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance resource efficiency through circular economy practices.
At your level, how are you contributing to the success of this fight (projects you are involved in) ?
Our organization – Africa Circular, contributes to the fight against plastic pollution by developing policies packaged in high level strategies called Circular Economy Roadmaps and Action Plans. We developed one at the continental level for the African union Commission. Previously we developed them for Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria. Currently we work with governments of Chad, Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt and Morocco to prepare their own national strategies on this matter. These initiatives aim to integrate sustainable practices into economic development strategies, promote local initiatives, and support communities in transitioning to circular business models. Additionally, I collaborate with international partners such as Prevent Waste Alliance, European Environmental Bureau and International Council for Circular Economy to advocate for policy changes, share best practices, and implement pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of circular economy approaches in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. At local level I work with the Polish Zero Waste Association to help implement the deposit return system in Poland and revise the EPR policies to better serve the upstream solutions to waste management.
On June 5, the focus will be on plastic pollution. But is this the only type of pollution or waste we have to worry about?
While World Environment Day rightly spotlights plastic pollution, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s not the sole environmental threat we face. Pollution encompasses a range of issues from air and water pollution to biodiversity loss and climate change. Each of these interconnected challenges requires attention and action. Therefore, while addressing plastic pollution remains urgent, holistic environmental stewardship demands a multifaceted approach that considers all forms of pollution and their cumulative impacts on ecosystems and human health.
Finally, what’s the message for those who persist in polluting the environment with impunity ? And what consequences might their irresponsible actions have for nature in the long term ?
To those who persist in polluting the environment, the message is clear: irresponsible actions have far-reaching consequences for nature and future generations. Continued pollution leads to degraded ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and exacerbates climate change. The long-term consequences include compromised human health, economic instability, and social inequality. Therefore, environmental stewardship and responsible consumption are not just moral imperatives but essential for sustaining our planet’s health and ensuring a livable future for all.
Interview by Inès Magoum