World Environment Day
Safeguard the Environment with Conscience
To Secure a Sustainable Future
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
June 5, 2025
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
Today, we come together in response to World Environment Day — an important moment for global environmental action, and a vital reminder for humanity to fulfill its commitment to sustainable development.
The theme of World Environment Day 2025 is “Ending Plastic Pollution.” Since the early 20th century, plastic products have become increasingly integrated into our daily lives—across food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Today, the world produces over 430 million tons of plastic annually. Its non-biodegradable nature has caused extensive pollution, contaminating ecosystems and food chains, and threatening the health and living spaces of both humans and wildlife. This year, the international community is working toward a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution. This global effort is not only about environmental protection—it concerns humanity's very survival, including our health, ecological balance, and sustainable economy.
As we reflect on solutions to end plastic pollution, I sincerely call on everyone to begin with “environmental protection of the heart.” Our global village needs every world citizen to awaken their conscience. Only when we protect our planet with conscience, cultivate kind thoughts and carry out kind actions can humanity truly resolve environmental pollution. The root of plastic pollution lies in overconsumption and the pursuit of convenience. Only by changing consumption habits at the source — by reducing plastic use in our daily lives, choosing sustainable products, minimizing single-use plastics, promoting environmental education, and urging governments and businesses to enforce green policies - can we move forward. When every global citizen takes conscientious action, motivated by self-awareness and responsibility, a sweeping wave of environmental protection will emerge, bringing real change to restore a healthy Earth and truly overcome this environmental crisis - to secure a sustainable home for humanity.
In 2025, the Doomsday Clock has reached 89 seconds to midnight - the closest humanity has ever been to extinction. At this critical juncture, we face the gravest environmental challenges in history. Let us unite our “hope” and our “power”, and with steadfast resolve. turn the tide to achieve sustainable development. Each person can make a wish to protect the Earth - and more importantly, commit to concrete action, becoming a force for change. When all of humanity joins hands to bring hope into reality, environmental protection will no longer be just an ideal, but a tangible, transformative movement.
A towering tree begins with a single seed. In this moment of catastrophe and upheaval, the arrival of World Environment Day invites us to pray for all life on Earth. May true love shine across the planet, easing the fears, sorrows, and sufferings of all beings. Let us ignite the light of hope together, uniting and advancing hand in hand toward a brighter future. We call upon all humanity to cherish and protect our environment, firmly believing that every choice made with conscience will become a blessing for future generations.
With heartfelt wishes,
May conscience protect the Earth and all beings thrive,
May the power of hope inspire action, bringing lasting greenery to the world.
Thank you all!