In celebration of World Environment Day
A Call to Action This World Environment Day
Every year, World Environment Day brings global attention to the most urgent environmental challenges we face. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” calls for unified global action to address the plastic crisis threatening ecosystems, economies, and communities. While marine plastic pollution grabs headlines, plastic’s damage to our soil, trees, and groundwater often goes unnoticed, yet it is just as alarming.
Plastic Pollution and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Plastic pollution is a major contributor to what the United Nations has identified as the triple planetary crisis:
- The climate crisis
- The crisis of nature, land, and biodiversity loss
- The crisis of pollution and waste
Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. Meanwhile, microplastics are accumulating in the soil through agricultural plastics, sewage sludge, and poorly managed landfills. These pollutants not only degrade ecosystems but are now linked to declining soil health and reduced crop productivity.
The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution is staggering, estimated at US$300 to US$600 billion. These impacts touch everything from food security to water quality and yes, even the health of our trees.
Plastic in Our Soil: A Silent Invasion
Plastic doesn’t just litter our streets and beaches it also seeps into the ground, embedding itself in the soil. Studies show that microplastics can reduce soil fertility, hinder water retention, and obstruct the root systems of plants and trees, making it harder for them to absorb the nutrients they need to survive.
Research has shown that plastic pollution:
- Disrupts photosynthesis by up to 12%, affecting plant growth and carbon absorption.
- Leaches harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA into the soil and water table.
- Acts as a physical barrier to water and air, suffocating tree roots beneath the surface.
The Threat Below: Plastic and Groundwater
It’s not just the soil that suffers. Plastic waste—particularly in landfills and agricultural areas—can contaminate groundwater. This happens through:
- Leaching of chemicals from plastics as they degrade over time.
- Microplastics are infiltrating aquifers through irrigation, flooding, and poor waste management.
In arid regions like the UAE, groundwater is a critical lifeline for native trees like the Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria), which relies on deep underground water sources to survive in harsh desert conditions.
Ghaf Trees: A National Symbol at Risk
The Ghaf tree is more than just the UAE’s national tree, it’s a symbol of resilience, peace, and sustainability. Known for its ability to thrive in arid climates, the Ghaf plays a vital ecological role by:
- Preventing desertification through stabilising sand dunes
- Enriching the soil with organic matter
- Providing shade and habitat for desert wildlife
But as plastic pollution seeps deeper into our ecosystems, even these hardy native trees are not immune. While specific studies on Ghaf trees and plastic pollution are still emerging, the threat to soil health and groundwater quality could undermine the very foundation that sustains them.
Nature-based Solutions: Where Tree Planting Meets Waste Reduction
At Goumbook, our programs like the Give a Ghaf planting programme, are grounded in the belief that restoring nature is one of the most powerful tools to combat environmental crises, including plastic pollution.
Here’s how:
- We eliminate single-use plastic in all our planting activities.
- We promote biodegradable and eco-friendly materials for tree cultivation.
- We engage communities in hands-on planting experiences that foster environmental awareness and a plastic-free mindset.
How You Can Help
This World Environment Day, we invite you to take action by:
- Rethinking your plastic consumption habits
- Supporting native tree planting programs
- Raising awareness about how land-based pollution affects our trees, soil, and water
This year, World Environment Day comes at a pivotal moment, as nations move closer to securing a global treaty to end plastic pollution. In November 2024, the Republic of Korea hosted the fifth round of negotiations, with the second session set for August 5–14 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The world is watching and so are we.
Take Action
Every small step counts. Planting a Ghaf tree or refusing a plastic bag helps protect our future.
At Goumbook, we work every day to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable living.
📩 Want to get involved?
Contact us to sponsor a tree, join a planting day, or bring our programs to your school or business.
Together, we can root out plastic pollution — and grow something better.