How plastic pollution threatens our planet and economy

Is there, in fact, a global plastic pollution crisis?

The answer is yes. The crisis status given to current levels of plastic pollution stems from two main factors: the ever-increasing plastic production and the ongoing plastic leakage into the environment.

Globally, 460 million tons of plastic are produced annually⁽¹⁾. Without change, this will triple by 2060⁽²⁾.

Looking at the scale of plastic leakage, it has been estimated that every year 20 million tonnes of plastic enter the environment, a figure set to double by 2030⁽²⁾. Breaking that down, this translates to the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic entering the oceans every single day⁽²⁾, accounting for 85% of all marine waste, most of which is single-use packaging^{(3, 4)}. At this pace, by 2050, the amount of plastic will outweigh the fish in the ocean⁽⁵⁾.

The impacts and costs of plastic pollution

The consequences of mismanaged plastic are vast and systemic, manifesting in three critical areas: Biodiversity Loss and the Blue Economy, Climate Change, and the degradation of Employment and Working Conditions.

Biodiversity loss and the blue economy

The problem

Plastic pollution causes immense damage to marine ecosystems, threatening the ‘Blue Economy’ (the sustainable use of ocean resources). This damage extends from the collapse of coral reefs to the contamination of global fisheries

The impact

Financial Impact: Plastic waste results in an estimated loss of US$300 billion to US$600 billion per year in ecosystem service value and natural capital⁽¹⁾.

The Seabird Crisis: It is estimated that in 2015, 90% of all seabirds alive today have ingested plastic fragments, mistaking them for food⁽⁶⁾.

Fisheries & Tourism: Marine plastic pollution causes an estimated US$7 billion in annual losses specifically to the global tourism and fishing industries due to damaged gear, contaminated catch, and loss of coastal appeal⁽⁷⁾.

Climate change

The problem

The plastic lifecycle is deeply tied to the climate crisis. From extraction to incineration, its production is a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The impact

Global Emissions Share: The production and disposal of plastics currently account for 3.4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions ⁸.

Production Growth: By 2050 greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, use and disposal would account for 15% of allowed emissions, under the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C ⁹.

Employment and working conditions

The problem

Plastic pollution is a major driver of global health inequality, disproportionately affecting the world’s most vulnerable workers. While the informal waste sector provides a vital service, mismanaged plastic waste creates “death zones” for communities living near dumpsites.

The impact

The Health Costs: Between 400,000 and 1 million people in countries in the global south die every year from diseases (such as diarrhea, malaria, and respiratory illnesses) caused by mismanaged waste that is dumped or burnt¹⁰.

Informal Sector Risks: Over 20 million people work as informal waste pickers; while they are responsible for the majority of plastic recycling in the Global South, they face extreme risks from toxic fumes and hazardous chemicals¹¹

Plastic pollution hotspots

To effectively tackle global ocean waste, we first need to understand where it begins. Where does marine plastic pollution stem from? 80% of marine litter originates on land, transported to the ocean via rivers and coastlines.

Why is tackling plastic pollution in Southeast Asia so important? The region has become one of the primary global plastic leakage hotspots.

Annual estimate of plastic emissions. A country’s total does not include waste that is exported overseas, which may be at higher risk of entering the ocean

Solutions to tackle plastic pollution are available. By taking collective action, we can turn the tide—safeguarding our environment, protecting global economies, and saving human and animal lives.