New research: The world produces 57 million tons of plastic waste every year, people are harming themselves
A recent study has revealed that the world generates a staggering 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year and releases it into the human body from a variety of sources. Research published in the journal Nature on September 4, scientists from the University of Leeds in the UK estimated that this volume of pollution could fill New York City’s Central Park with plastic waste.
Millions of tons of plastic waste in nature
The study looked at the amount of plastic waste released into the natural environment in more than 50,000 cities and towns worldwide. Notably, this data does not include plastic waste that ends up in landfills or is properly disposed of.
Researchers estimate that about 52 million tons of plastic waste was released into the environment in 2020. Of which, 43% was not burned, while 57% came from outdoor burning activities. Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been identified as the largest sources of plastic waste pollution. Notably, India with a population of 255 million people plays a significant role in this pollution crisis.
The city of Lagos in Nigeria tops the list of cities generating the most plastic waste, followed by New Delhi (India), Luanda (Angola), Karachi (Pakistan) and Cairo (Egypt).
India leads the world in plastic pollution
India is the world leader in plastic pollution, producing 10.2 million tonnes a year – more than double the next biggest polluters Nigeria and Indonesia. China ranks fourth in global plastic pollution but the country has made significant strides in reducing waste.
Other top plastic polluting countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and Brazil. Together, these eight countries are responsible for more than half of the world’s plastic pollution.
In 2022, most countries globally agreed to sign the world’s first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, which includes regulations on the marine environment. Final treaty negotiations are expected to take place in South Korea this November.
Dangers of burning plastic waste
When plastic waste enters the environment, microplastics – extremely small plastic particles also known as nanoplastics – become a serious threat to human health. These particles are found everywhere, from the snow on top of the highest mountains to the bottom of the deepest oceans. Alarming findings of microplastics in human blood and breast milk have raised concerns about their impact on health.
Plastic waste, including everyday items like straws, takes a long time to decompose and can harm the ecosystem for generations. “Previously, we were not that aware of marine litter or plastic pollution,” said Velis, who led the study. He said burning trash incorrectly and letting plastic smolder does not make the trash “disappear” but only spreads smaller pieces throughout the environment.
Burning plastic also reduces air quality and exposes people living nearby to highly toxic additives released during the burning process. While the exact risks of microplastics to human health remain uncertain, recent studies have found microplastics in human tissues such as the heart, brain and even organs reproduce like testicles.
In short, the global plastic pollution crisis requires urgent action, both on waste management and on reducing the production and improper disposal of plastic. As international treaties are negotiated, the health and environmental risks posed by plastic waste continue to increase.
