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Plastic production has surged dramatically over the past century, hailed by some as a revolutionary material while decried by others as an environmental hazard.
Scientific estimates suggest that nearly 200 trillion pieces of plastic are currently adrift in the world’s oceans, a figure that could triple without intervention.
In 2022, nations committed to developing a legally binding global treaty to curtail plastic waste and the harmful chemicals contained within some plastics. However, two years later, a final agreement remains elusive.
This Tuesday, global representatives reconvene at a UN conference in Geneva, raising the question: Can they finally forge a consensus on curbing the excessive use of plastics?
Human societies have a long history of utilizing naturally occurring plastics such as rubber, horn, and shellac.
The 20th century, however, witnessed the rapid proliferation of synthetic plastics derived from processed fossil fuels.
The material’s versatility, durability, and heat resistance have made it indispensable in countless applications, from sewage systems and critical medical equipment to the textiles industry.
Dr. Alice Horton, a research scientist at the National Oceanography Centre, explains that plastics have become ubiquitous in a short period, often without a comprehensive understanding of their long-term consequences.
“Plastics have only been around for a blink of an eye in terms of life on earth. Many people today remember a time when plastics were not a part of their childhoods. This makes plastics a particularly concerning material,” says Dr. Horton.
“Their use has exploded, permeating every aspect of our lives, yet we are only now beginning to recognize the potential problems they pose.”
Plastic production has experienced exponential growth in recent decades. From two million tonnes in 1950, production soared to 475 million tonnes by 2022.
Despite its potential for reuse, the cost and limited availability of recycling infrastructure mean that only a small fraction of plastic is actually recycled. Approximately 60% of all plastics are single-use, with only an estimated 10% being recycled, according to analysis in Nature.
Plastic accumulation in marine environments poses a significant threat to wildlife, particularly through ingestion.
“Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to internal organ damage and even fatalities due to digestive complications,” explains Zaynab Sadan, global plastics policy lead at WWF.
She adds that marine life can also become entangled in discarded fishing gear or plastic packaging that enters the ocean through sewage systems.
As plastic degrades in the environment, it breaks down into increasingly smaller particles known as microplastics. These microplastics have been detected in all geographical regions, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and within every living system tested.
Ongoing research aims to fully understand the impact of microplastics, with different species exhibiting varying degrees of resilience. However, Dr. Horton of the National Oceanography Centre warns that there is a threshold beyond which harm to organisms becomes inevitable.
“When plastics accumulate in tissues, we observe inflammation, cell damage, and hormonal changes. While these effects might not immediately kill an organism, they are likely to have cumulative, long-term consequences, weakening them and making them more susceptible to disease and ultimately, death,” she explains.
A new expert report has characterized plastics as a “grave, growing and under-recognized danger” to human health.
The Lancet Countdown estimates that health-related diseases and deaths stemming from the “plastic crisis” account for at least $1.5 trillion (£1.1 trillion) in health-related damages annually.
These impacts range from air pollution generated during plastic production to heightened risks of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and miscarriages resulting from plastic contamination within our bodies.
Plastics contain over 16,000 chemicals, including dyes and flame retardants, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic.
Despite the mounting evidence highlighting the hazards of plastic, the Lancet report underscores a lack of transparency regarding the composition of most plastic products. Data on the impact of only a quarter of plastic chemicals is available, and among those tested, 75% were found to be “highly hazardous.”
In 2022, countries agreed that a global treaty was needed within two years to address the issue.
That deadline passed in December 2024, after five rounds of negotiations, without a treaty being signed.
On Tuesday, more than 170 nations will reconvene to try to finalize a deal.
The main issues they are trying to get agreement on include:
Rob Opsomer, executive lead of plastics and finance at the Ellen McArthur Foundation, which co-convenes the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, told the BBC that products designed to meet consistent standards can improve recycling, reduce costs, and lower demand for virgin plastics.
“For example, the value of recycled material from a colored drink bottle is half the value of a clear, uncolored bottle,” he explained.
Nearly 100 countries, including the UK, are advocating for an “ambitious” treaty that includes a commitment to limit production levels. However, a group of oil-producing nations, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, has strongly opposed this, preferring that talks focus on increasing recycling rather than reducing production.
As countries transition to greener technologies, demand for oil in global energy and transport systems is projected to peak in the coming years. This could leave plastic as one of the few growth markets for the oil industry. Any efforts to limit production could cause short-term economic damage to petrostates.
However, the lack of clear, global regulations is proving costly for plastic users.
“It’s a fundamental risk. Businesses don’t want packaging bearing their brand names littering streets and oceans,” said Mr. Opsomer.
He added that businesses also face the cost of complying with hundreds of new plastic standards globally each year.
The Business Coalition, which includes major global plastic users such as Nestle and Unilever, is urging governments to introduce coordinated taxes on their businesses to help fund the cost of recycling and cleaning up plastic waste.
Single-use plastic is the biggest contributor to plastic waste in the environment, with food packaging representing the majority of our daily consumption.
Consider using reusable containers or cups for takeout and bringing reusable sealed bags for weighing fruits and vegetables when grocery shopping.
Estimates suggest that car tires contribute more than a quarter of all microplastics in the environment. When possible, walking or cycling to local shops, or carpooling with friends or neighbors can help reduce this impact.
Avoid plastics that readily break down into microplastics, such as chewing gum and glitter. Many non-plastic alternatives are available, allowing you to enjoy festivals responsibly.
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