Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. According to a study published in November 2024 by the University of California, if no action is taken, the amount of mismanaged plastic waste worldwide could almost double by 2050, reaching around 121 million tonnes. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions linked to the production and management of plastics could increase by 37%, reaching 3.35 gigatons of CO2 equivalent.
The impact of plastic pollution on the environment and health
Since 1950, plastic production has exploded, leading to the generation of poorly managed plastic waste. This waste, which breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, including microplastics and nanoplastics, harms ecosystems around the world, from the Arctic to the ocean floors. In addition to polluting natural environments, plastic pollution is also linked to human health risks, increasing the chances of cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
The plastic system also contributes to climate change, because the production of plastic generates greenhouse gas emissions. The countries of the South, although they produce little plastic, are the most affected by the management of plastic waste, often sent by rich countries. This leads to serious environmental and social problems, including pollution and health risks in these regions.
The objectives of the global treaty on plastic pollution
In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to develop a legally binding international treaty to reduce plastic pollution globally, scheduled to be finalized in late 2024. However, the decisive session of negotiations in November 2024 in Busan, South Korea, ended without an agreement. A text was adopted as a basis for new negotiations in 2025.
Four solutions to reduce plastic pollution
To reduce plastic pollution, University of California researchers are proposing four key solutions that, combined, could have a major impact on plastic waste management and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Limit the production of new plastics: One of the main proposals is to cap the production of new plastics at the 2020 level. This would reduce the volume of plastic to be thrown away or mismanaged, at the same time encouraging greater recycling. In addition, this measure would have a positive effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, because the manufacturing of new plastic generates a significant portion of these emissions. However, some experts believe that the implementation of this solution could be hampered by the powerful lobbies of the petrochemical industry.
2. Mandate the use of recycled plastic: Another solution would be to require manufacturers to use at least 40% recycled plastic in the production of new plastics. This would promote a circular economy and reduce demand for new raw materials. However, some researchers emphasize the need to ensure that recycled plastic is not toxic, as plastics often contain substances hazardous to health.
3. Invest in waste management infrastructure: Researchers recommend an investment of $50 billion in waste management infrastructure, particularly in the Global South. This investment would improve the collection, recycling and incineration of plastic waste, thereby reducing its mismanagement and environmental impact. However, some experts believe that this solution could increase the production of plastic, because more material would be needed to supply these infrastructures.
4. Impose a tax on plastic packaging: Finally, the researchers propose implementing a tax on the consumption of plastic packaging, in order to reduce the demand for plastic and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although this solution has potential, some activists believe it risks encouraging production rather than reducing consumption, and favor a total ban on single-use plastics.
A combination of solutions to reduce plastic pollution
Researchers estimate that if these four solutions were applied globally, they would reduce mismanaged plastic waste by 91% by 2050, from 121 million tonnes to just 11 million tonnes. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastics could be reduced by a third. For some activists, the priority should be to completely eliminate single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
