The world generates approximately 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year. Around 52 million metric tons of this waste is released into the environment, accumulating across all corners of the planet, from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountaintops.
Also Read: Hottest Summer on Record for the Second Consecutive Year
More than two-thirds of this pollution originates from developing nations in the Global South in regions such as Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where waste management infrastructure is often inadequate.
The researchers from Leeds University estimate that the amount of plastic waste generated annually could fill New York City’s Central Park to the height of the Empire State Building.
According to the study, India is the largest contributor to plastic pollution producing around 10.2 million tons annually. Following India are Nigeria, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and Brazil, collectively accounting for more than half of the world’s plastic emissions.
Among cities, Lagos, Nigeria, tops the list of the worst polluters followed by New Delhi (India), Luanda (Angola) Karachi (Pakistan) and Al Qahirah (Egypt). The common thread among these cities is their limited infrastructure for waste collection and disposal.
The United States ranks 90th, with over 52,500 tons of plastic waste, while the United Kingdom ranks 135th, generating nearly 5,100 tons.
India struggles with waste collection and segregation, contributing to the 255 million people without access to proper waste management. Much of the plastic in India is burned or dumped, releasing harmful microplastics into the environment.
The study highlights the dangers of microplastics tiny particles that form when larger plastics break down. Microplastics have been found in human tissues including the brain, lungs and even reproductive organs.
90% of India’s waste is generated by municipalities, with much of it remaining uncollected or improperly managed.
In 2020 alone, approximately 52 million tonnes of plastic waste entered the environment. If laid end-to-end, this amount of waste could encircle the globe more than 1,500 times.
Over two-thirds of the world’s plastic pollution originates from uncollected waste.
In low and middle-income countries like India, a huge portion of plastic waste remains uncollected. A lack of efficient waste management infrastructure leads to large amounts of plastic waste being dumped into landfills or open sites.
1.2 billion people worldwide, accounting for 15% of the global population, live without access to any formal waste collection services. This figure is disproportionately high in countries like India.
Also Read: Typhoon Yagi Hits Vietnam: 59 Dead and Millions Without Power
In 2020, nearly 30 million tonnes of plastic or 57% of the total pollution, was burned in uncontrolled conditions. This practice is spread in rural and underdeveloped regions, releases harmful chemicals into the air and is linked to serious health risks including neurodevelopmental and reproductive disorders.
While India generates an huge volume of plastic waste, the per capita waste generation remains relatively lower than in high-income countries.
Developed nations like those in Europe and North America have established waste collection systems, reducing the extent of uncollected waste.
A survey conducted by Data for Progress in collaboration with the Center for Climate Integrity found that 70% of American voters would support litigation against the plastics and fossil fuel industries.
This sentiment was shared across party lines with 54% of Republicans, 88% of Democrats and 66% of independents backing such legal action.
Voters were outraged by the chasing arrows symbol often used to falsely suggest that certain plastic products are recyclable. 62% of respondents strongly agreed that this practice is deceptive.
In the US, California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation into fossil fuel and petrochemical producers. The investigation aims to expose deceptive conduct by these industries in promoting plastic recycling as a viable solution while knowing it was unsustainable.
If successful, this investigation could lead to litigation against major plastic producers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is revising its Green Guide documents to provide clearer guidelines on how companies can market products as recyclable or compostable.
In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed the use of the chasing arrows symbol on non-recyclable plastics as deceptive.
Since 2015, various lawsuits have been filed against consumer brands in the US, alleging violations of environmental regulations and greenwashing practices.
Over 60 lawsuits are being processed, accusing companies of falsely advertising their products as eco-friendly or recyclable.
In 2022, global leaders agreed to draft the first legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. These negotiations will continue with final discussions scheduled to take place in South Korea in November 2024.
The United Nations warns that global plastic production could rise from 440 million tons to over 1,200 million tons annually in the coming decades unless measures are taken.
Also Read: Super Typhoon Yagi: 2 Dead and 92 Injured in China and Headed Toward Vietnam
