News Edition by Legalkhabar.online
In a startling revelation, India has been identified as the world's largest contributor to plastic pollution, releasing a staggering 9.3 million tonnes annually, which accounts for one-fifth of global plastic emissions. A recent study published in the journal Nature underscores the severity of India's plastic crisis, revealing significant gaps in waste management statistics and highlighting the pervasive issue of uncontrolled waste burning in rural areas.
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The study, led by experts including Costas Velis from the University of Leeds, emphasizes that India's official waste generation rate of approximately 0.12 kilograms per capita per day may be significantly underestimated. Crucially, this figure does not encompass rural areas or the substantial amount of waste handled by the informal sector, nor does it factor in the widespread practice of open burning of uncollected waste.
Velis, one of the study's authors, pointed out that previous assessments had erroneously identified China as the top global polluter due to outdated data. China has since made substantial investments in waste management infrastructure, significantly improving collection and processing capabilities, which are key factors in their reduced emissions ranking.
The study defines plastic emissions as materials transitioning from managed (controlled or contained state) to unmanaged systems (uncontrolled or uncontained state) such as the environment. It quantifies emissions across 50,702 municipal-level administrations, encompassing various sources including uncollected waste, littering, and rejects from sorting and reprocessing. Globally, plastic waste emissions reached 52.1 million tonnes in 2020, with uncollected waste emerging as the predominant source in the Global South. Approximately 69% of these emissions originate from just 20 countries, predominantly low to middle-income nations, underscoring the disproportionate burden faced by developing economies.
India's alarming plastic pollution statistics have sparked renewed urgency for comprehensive action, particularly as the country grapples with unsustainable waste management practices. The findings come at a critical juncture as global efforts, including the proposed Global Plastics Treaty, aim to curb plastic pollution and its environmental impacts. Speaking on the issue, environmental advocates and policymakers in India have called for stringent measures to enforce existing regulations and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic usage. With India's growing population and industrialization, addressing plastic pollution has become an urgent national priority, necessitating coordinated efforts across government, industry, and civil society.
The Global Plastics Treaty, expected to be finalized by 2024, represents a pivotal opportunity for nations to commit to reducing plastic production, consumption, and disposal. Experts hope that these measures will not only mitigate environmental degradation but also foster a more sustainable future for generations to come.
In conclusion, while the study highlights India's current challenges in managing plastic waste, it also underscores the importance of global cooperation and concerted efforts to address this pressing environmental issue. With continued research and targeted interventions, there is hope for a significant reduction in plastic pollution worldwide.
Abhay Yadav
Noida
