The rise of plastic pollution: Cause, Consequences and Solutions

Abstract

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic in the environment, causing harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. It's a global problem with a wide range of sources and impacts. Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world's oceans, rivers, and lakes. Every year 19 - 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being. Plastics bring undeniable benefits from energy savings to material conservation. Yet, the growing crisis of plastic pollution threatens both planetary and human well-being. For decades, plastic pollution has infiltrated every corner of the world contaminating the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. Microplastics are now even found in our bodies. This World Environment Day, we are mobilizing communities across the globe to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to plastic pollution.