UN sounds alarm on plastic pollution crisis

Plastic pollution is a growing threat, and on the occasion of today's World Environment Day, the United Nations is sounding the alarm over this topic. Every year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced, and just 9% is recycled. This has led to between 19 and 23 million tonnes of plastic entering aquatic ecosystems each year. An alarming projection suggests that this figure could rise by 50% by 2040 if decisive action is not taken. 

The UN and major international bodies urge nations to negotiate a binding agreement to curb this environmental crisis. Discussions so far have faced challenges, notably from oil-rich nations opposing production caps. However, innovative policy scenarios, as highlighted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), suggest that ambitious global cooperation could mitigate these issues by 2040. 

The scale of the plastic pollution crisis

Plastic pollution has permeated every corner of the globe, impacting not only ecosystems but also human health. Since the 1950s, approximately 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, with a staggering 7 billion tonnes designated as waste. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution is evident, with microplastics found in locations as remote as the Mariana Trench and as high as Mount Everest. These microplastics enter the food chain and are present in human organs, potentially causing severe health issues, including hormone disruption and increased cancer risks.

According to figures by trade association Plastics Europe, 44% of all the plastics produced globally are for packaging. China manufactures a third of global production, and it is also the country that produces the most plastic waste. Belgium stands out as the country with the highest plastic waste generation per capita. 

Current plastic production has exceeded 400 million tonnes annually, with only a small fraction being recycled. Of the plastic waste produced, only 9% manages to find its way into the recycling stream. A significant amount, around 22% of global plastic litter, remains uncollected and mismanaged, contributing extensively to environmental pollution. This underlines the absolute necessity for more effective waste management and recycling measures to prevent further ecological damage.

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OECD's vision for a cleaner future

A report by the OECD outlines a pathway to mitigate plastic pollution by 2040 through strategic policy scenarios. Particularly, the Global Ambition scenario, which proposes comprehensive, high-stringency policy adoption across the plastics lifecycle globally. This scenario anticipates that with rigorous implementation, plastic leakage and waste mismanagement could be nearly eliminated by 2040. The strategy focuses on reducing primary plastic production, enhancing recycling processes, and promoting eco-friendly designs, thereby decoupling economic growth from plastic use.

Currently, over 100 countries have expressed support for establishing global reduction targets for plastic production, although negotiations have faced hurdles, particularly from influential oil-producing nations. Nevertheless, the ongoing efforts aim to culminate in a binding treaty that will obligate countries to adhere to more sustainable practices, potentially achieving an environmental shift by 2040. The global commitment to closing leakage pathways, designing for circularity, and enhancing recycling is crucial to address this pressing issue.