Plastic Pollution Unpacked: A Critical Review of the Evidence
S. Ramaswamy
, V. Kaveri , V. Sutha , Dilsha Selvakumar , N. Geethalakshmi , Sruthi Mohan
Plastic Pollution, Management, Economic and Health Impact
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental crisis in the 21st century, driven by excessive plastic production and inadequate waste management systems. Each year, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans, a number projected to double by 2040 without urgent action. By 2024, global plastic waste generation is expected to reach 220 million tonnes, reflecting a nearly 10% increase since 2021, or about 28 kilograms per person. Alarmingly, just 12 countries—including China, the USA, India, Brazil, and Mexico—account for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste. The consequences extend beyond environmental degradation, significantly impacting human health and biodiversity. Microplastics infiltrate our water, air, and food systems, posing serious health risks and impeding sustainable economic development. While plastics offer benefits such as lightweight materials for transportation and vital medical supplies, their entire lifecycle—from production to disposal—contributes to pollution and climate change. Growing awareness has shifted public sentiment, leading to stronger policies aimed at mitigating plastic pollution. As plastics become increasingly integrated into the global economy, finding a balance between their benefits and negative impacts is crucial. Immediate action is essential to manage plastic waste effectively and promote sustainable practices that protect human health and the environment.
"Plastic Pollution Unpacked: A Critical Review of the Evidence", IJNRD - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NOVEL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (www.IJNRD.org), ISSN:2456-4184, Vol.9, Issue 10, page no.c251-c264, October-2024, Available :https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2410233.pdf
Volume 9
Issue 10,
October-2024
Pages : c251-c264
Paper Reg. ID: IJNRD_301411
Published Paper Id: IJNRD2410233
Downloads: 00021
Research Area: Science and Technology
Country: -, -, India
ISSN: 2456-4184 | IMPACT FACTOR: 8.76 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 8.76 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJNRD (IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
