There is so much plastic waste all around us that we can be overwhelmed by the scale of managing this crisis. But researchers today assure us. Implementation of just four policy measures will virtually eliminate this pollution.
From November 25, 2024, representatives of 190 states will meet in Busan (South Korea) to continue negotiations on the shape of a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution. An agreement that requires immediate ratification. PlasticPlastic envahi you see us.
“Without intervention, annual plastic consumption will increase by 37 percent – as will BroadcastingBroadcasting Carbon dioxide (CO2) associated – and The wasteThe waste Global plastics could double by 2050 »confirms a study published today in the journal Science. But above all, this same work provides a set of just four policy decisions that could, in contrast, eliminate more than 90% of plastic waste and 30% of CO emissions.2 Connected by 2050 – the equivalent of 300 million petrol vehicles in circulation for one year.
Four decisions to get rid of plastic pollution
“One of the most exciting findings from this work is that it is actually possible to eliminate plastic pollution with this deal. I am cautiously optimistic, but we cannot afford to miss this unique opportunity.Professor Douglas McCauley of the University of California (United States) commented. What his team offers:
- New products need to be made with 40% post-consumer recycled plastic.
- limiting the production of new plastics to 2020 levels;
- massive investment in plastic waste management;
- And impose a tax – even a small one – on plastic packaging.
Implementation of political will
According to the researchers, it’s clear from their simulations that with enough political will, there is enough technological potential to significantly reduce plastic waste mismanagement and tackle some of the most pressing problems out there.
