Plastic Pollution Costs Threaten Global Health

Plastic pollution, costing $1.5 trillion annually in health and economic losses, poses a growing threat to ecosystems and human well-being, demanding urgent global action.

Plastic pollution’s escalating impact, costing over $1.5 trillion yearly, affects human health, ecosystems, and economies worldwide, according to a 2024 Lancet study. With global plastic production doubling from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, and projected to reach 736 million tonnes by 2040, the crisis threatens marine life, food chains, and public health. Negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva, starting 5 August 2025, aim to address this through lifecycle management.

Plastics release toxic chemicals, like phthalates and bisphenol A, linked to respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders. Microplastics, found in 80% of marine species, disrupt food chains, with 8 million tonnes entering oceans annually. Health-related costs, including cancer and developmental issues, burden healthcare systems, particularly in developing nations like India, where waste management lags. Economic losses stem from reduced fisheries output, tourism declines, and cleanup efforts, with India generating 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly.

The Geneva talks face challenges over production caps, with oil-producing nations resisting due to economic reliance on petrochemicals. Developing countries, including India, seek financial aid to improve recycling and waste infrastructure. Current recycling rates are low, with only 9% of global plastic waste recycled. India’s efforts, like the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, aim to phase out single-use plastics, but enforcement remains weak, as seen in urban waste pileups.

Public sentiment on X highlights frustration over plastic pollution’s visible impacts, like clogged rivers, with calls for stricter bans and corporate accountability. Innovations, such as biodegradable plastics and waste-to-energy projects, offer hope but require scaling. The treaty’s success depends on balancing economic interests with environmental urgency, drawing lessons from the 2015 Paris Accord.

In conclusion, plastic pollution’s $1.5 trillion toll demands a robust global response. The Geneva treaty talks offer a critical opportunity to curb production, enhance recycling, and protect health and ecosystems, but consensus remains elusive.

Source: Sustainability Times