The world will drown in plastic waste if production is not stopped

Norway’s Minister for International Development, Anne Beith Tvenerim, has warned that without stopping plastic production, the world may face a plastic waste crisis within a decade.

She made the comments this week in Busan, South Korea, during the concluding stages of a UN summit on the first global agreement to fight plastic waste.

Beith Tvenerim represents more than 60 countries that want to tackle plastic pollution, including Rwanda and Norway.

She hopes for a deal to curb plastic waste that will play a stronger role in curbing this pollution over time. However, it is not possible for the opposing countries to reach such a ‘perfect treaty’ or agreement.

Researchers have discovered microplastics in human organs, including the uterus, arteries, testicles, and semen, revealing significant health risks associated with plastic exposure.

The plastic crisis threatens human health, biodiversity and the climate. Two years after 175 countries signed a historic agreement, progress in reducing the $712 billion global plastic industry has stalled.

During his speech, Beth Tweenerheim stressed the need for plastic recycling and waste management. At the same time, he also emphasized the need to reduce plastic production and use in the future.

The report said that by 2060, global plastic use could triple. And it is feared that its use will be highest in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

By 2060, plastic waste is expected to triple, with half being unusable and less than 20% recyclable.