Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the Earth's environment. This includes items like bottles, bags, and tiny microbeads. These materials adversely affect humans, wildlife, and their natural habitats.

Plastic is a very common material for manufacturers. It is inexpensive and extremely durable. These qualities make it highly adaptable for many different uses. However, the chemical structure of most plastics makes them resistant to natural degradation. Because they are slow to break down, they persist in the ecosystem for a long time. This allows large volumes of mismanaged waste to travel throughout entire food webs.

Scientists categorize plastic debris by its physical size. The three main categories are micro-, meso-, and macro-debris. Microdebris are very small particles, typically between 2 mm and 5 mm. These can be primary plastics, which are manufactured in their small form. Examples include microbeads used in cosmetics or tiny pellets called nurdles. Nurdles are used to make new plastic products. They often enter the ocean through spills during transport or via rivers.

Secondary plastics are different because they result from the breakdown of larger items. Macrodebris refers to larger pieces, such as plastic grocery bags or fishing nets. These larger items can have a serious mechanical impact on marine life.

Plastic pollution affects many different environments, including land, waterways, and oceans. It is estimated that 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean from coastal communities every year. As of the end of 2013, there was an estimated stock of 86 million tons of plastic marine debris in the world's oceans. Researchers assume that 1.4% of all global plastics produced between 1950 and 2013 ended up in the ocean.

This waste can be found in many places. For example, studies suggest that the bodies of 90% of seabirds contain plastic debris. Even the deep seafloor holds massive amounts of waste. In 2020, scientists estimated that Earth's seafloor contains about 14 million tons of microplastic.

Human production of plastic has grown significantly over the last century. In the 1950s, global production was only 1.5 million tons. By 2016, that number surged to 335 million tons. By 2019, the world was producing 368 million tonnes of plastic annually.

China is currently the world's largest producer, accounting for 51% of global production. From the 1950s up to 2018, an estimated 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide. Of this total, only about 9% has been recycled. Another 12% has been incinerated. This leaves a massive amount of material to be managed by landfills or the natural environment.

Living organisms face several different risks from plastic pollution. Marine animals can suffer from mechanical effects, such as becoming entangled in fishing nets or plastic objects.

Ingestion is another major problem, as animals eat plastic waste. Plastics can also release chemicals that interfere with an organism's physiology. These chemicals include substances like bisphenol A, polystyrene, DDT, and PCBs. These are hydrophobic, meaning they do not dissolve easily in water. These toxins can accumulate in the bodies of living things. Humans can also be affected through direct consumption of tap water or indirect consumption by eating plants and animals.

Global efforts are being made to manage and reduce this pollution. A May 2019 amendment to the Basel Convention helps regulate the trade of plastic waste. This is intended to prevent developed countries from shipping waste to developing countries. Nearly all countries have joined this agreement.

In March 2022, 175 countries met in Nairobi. They pledged to create a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024 to end plastic pollution. On a local level, people are working to reduce consumption and participate in litter cleanups.

Recent events have also changed the landscape of plastic waste. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for protective equipment and packaging materials increased. This led to higher amounts of plastic, especially medical waste and masks, entering the ocean.

Without major interventions, models predict that plastic entering the oceans could reach 23 to 37 million tonnes per year by 2040. By 2060, this could rise to between 155 and 265 million tonnes per year. This increase would likely be driven by rising consumer demand and insufficient waste management improvements.