Global Plastic Pollution Tops 57 Million Tons Annually, Study Reveals
A new study published in Nature has highlighted that the world generates approximately 57 million tons of plastic pollution each year.
This pollution disperses across various environments, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountain peaks, and even infiltrates human bodies.
Researchers from the University of Leeds, who conducted the study, found that over two-thirds of this pollution originates from countries in the Global South. The volume of plastic pollution—equivalent to around 52 million metric tons—is sufficient to fill New York City’s Central Park to the height of the Empire State Building.
The study focused on plastic waste that enters the open environment, excluding plastic disposed of in landfills or properly incinerated. According to the researchers, ineffective waste management is a major issue in regions like Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This problem affects around 15% of the world’s population, with India being a significant contributor. The study notes that India alone produces 10.2 million tons of plastic pollution annually, more than double that of the next highest polluters, Nigeria and Indonesia.
Lagos, Nigeria, has been identified as the largest city emitter of plastic pollution. Other major contributors include New Delhi, Luanda (Angola), Karachi (Pakistan), and Cairo (Egypt). Although China is often criticized for its pollution levels, it ranks fourth in the study, with significant progress in waste management.
The study also found that the top eight plastic-polluting nations are responsible for over half of the global plastic waste. These countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, and Brazil. In contrast, the United States and the United Kingdom rank relatively low in terms of plastic pollution, at 90th and 135th, respectively.
The study’s authors employed artificial intelligence to assess the extent of improperly managed plastic waste, including microplastics that pose health risks. They noted that these microplastics are pervasive, found in remote locations like the peaks of Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, as well as in human tissues.
Experts have raised concerns that the study’s focus on pollution rather than plastic production might overshadow the broader issue of greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic manufacturing. Additionally, there is worry about the global trade in plastic waste, which has not been fully addressed by the study.
The plastics industry has supported the study’s findings, emphasizing the need for better waste management. Meanwhile, global negotiations are underway to finalize a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, with discussions scheduled to take place in South Korea this November.
With input from the Associated Press, the Hill, and People.
