As World Environment Day on June 5 approaches, I feel compelled to reflect on why this day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a vital reminder for every individual, community, and government to prioritize our environment and commit to meaningful actions. In recent times, the worsening plastic pollution crisis in Juba and other towns across South Sudan has become impossible to ignore. It is a situation that fills me with frustration and concern, as I witness the detrimental impact of poor waste management practices on our surroundings, health, and future.
World Environment Day is a global call to action, urging us to recognize the critical importance of protecting our planet. It is a day to raise awareness about environmental issues, inspire change, and motivate collective responsibility. However, in our country, South Sudan, especially in Juba city and other towns in the states and administrative areas, the significance of this day needs to be taken seriously and embraced fully. The rising tide of plastic waste, littering streets, water bodies, and open spaces, is alarming. It is a direct consequence of neglect and inadequate waste management systems, which have failed to keep pace with the increasing volume of plastic consumption.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide, and South Sudan is no exception. Plastic materials, which are cheap and widely used, often end up in our rivers, lakes, and streets, taking hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime, they cause harm to wildlife, clog drainage systems, and pollute our water sources. For example, in Juba, the situation is worsening. The lack of proper disposal facilities, limited awareness, and lax enforcement of waste regulations have created an environment where plastic waste is left to accumulate in public spaces, presenting a health hazard and an eyesore.
This situation is deeply frustrating for me. Walking through the city and seeing plastic bags and bottles scattered everywhere is disheartening. It reflects a broader failure in waste management and a lack of environmental consciousness among many residents. We often overlook the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics, and instead continue to contribute to the problem through careless disposal. This negligence not only damages our environment but also jeopardizes public health, especially during the rainy season when blocked drains cause flooding and waterborne diseases become prevalent.
The significance of World Environment Day lies in its potential to galvanize action. It reminds us that every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment. Whether it is reducing plastic use, participating in clean-up campaigns, or advocating for better waste management policies, each effort counts. We must recognize that our environment is a shared resource, and our actions—or inactions—have consequences that ripple beyond our immediate surroundings.
Addressing plastic pollution requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Governments need to implement effective waste management systems, promote policies that reduce plastic production and encourage alternatives, and enforce regulations against illegal dumping. Businesses and community groups should be engaged in awareness campaigns and sustainable practices. Most importantly, individuals must take responsibility by minimizing their plastic footprint, properly disposing of waste, and supporting initiatives aimed at environmental conservation.
Celebrating World Environment Day should be more than symbolic. It must be an occasion for us to reflect on our habits and commit to tangible actions. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living. By doing so, we can contribute to cleaner streets, healthier water sources, and a more resilient environment.
I feel a sense of urgency and frustration when I see the worsening state of our environment, especially in urban areas like Juba city. It is heartbreaking to witness the degradation of the place we call home due to neglect and poor waste practices. However, I also believe that change is possible when we recognize the gravity of the problem and work together. World Environment Day offers us that platform—a chance to turn awareness into action, to inspire hope, and to rebuild a sustainable future.
As June 5 approaches, I urge every individual to take this day seriously. Let us use it as a catalyst for change, whether through simple acts like refusing single-use plastics, participating in local clean-up efforts, or advocating for better waste policies. Our environment is not an unlimited resource; it is a fragile gift that requires our care and respect. The worsening plastic pollution situation in Juba and across South Sudan should serve as a wake-up call. We can no longer afford complacency.
The future of our environment depends on the collective effort we make today. Let us make this World Environment Day meaningful by committing to actions that will lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable South Sudan. Our environment is our responsibility, and it is time we take it seriously. The health of our cities, our water, our land, and our future depend on it.
The writer is an environmentalist and can be reached via +211 913128994 or garanggarangadim@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.