The health of our oceans is being systematically dismantled by plastic waste and chemical pollutants. Another concern is the wastage of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from intensive agriculture and the disposal of partially treated or untreated sewage systems which then enters rivers and, eventually, oceans. This can lead to harmful effects on human health as well as marine life.
To align ourselves with UN sustainable development goals, we should transition from mere advocacy to aggressive policy regarding circular economies which eliminates plastic from the source and revitalises our waste water treatment infrastructure.
Suhaib-ur-Rehman
Karachi
