1.3 Billion Tons of Plastic to Pollute Environs by 2040

Oct, 2020 - By SMI

A team of global experts has developed a computer model to track plastic stocks and flows across the world.

Over the years, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as the swiftly growing production of disposable plastic products such as microbeads, plastic bags, and plastic bottles overwhelms the world's ability to deal with them. Plastics that act as pollutants are categorized into macro-, meso-, or micro debris, based on size. However, plastic production continues to grow at a rapid pace, with no signs of slowing down its pollution. According to the new research, more than 1.3 billion tons of plastic waste will be discarded into oceans and lands by 2040.

The research was published in the Science journal. New research has shown that if the big steps are not taken to slow down plastic pollution, then how dire the situation may be in the future. A team of global experts have developed a computer model to track plastic stocks and flows across the world. According to the team, even with concerted and immediate efforts, around 710 million tons (250 million tons in the oceans and 460 million tons on land) of plastic will be dumped into the environment.

Moreover, the research has revealed that around 30 million tons of plastic waste are discarded on land, around 50 million tons of plastic waste is burned in the open, and around 11 million tons of plastic waste is discarded in the oceans. Pollution levels are predicted to increase on an annual basis. In 2040, around 77 million tons of plastic waste will be dumped on land, around 133 million tons will be burnt in the open, and around 11 million tons will be dumped in the oceans. However, this will happen when governments across the world work on their commitments to reduce plastic pollution.