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Graphic shows the projected increase in managed and mismanaged plastic between 2016 and 2040, according to figures from the Pew Charitable Trusts.
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ENVIRONMENT

Global treaty to tackle plastic pollution

By Jordi Bou

February 28, 2022 - March 2, 2022 - After years of largely neglecting the build-up of plastic waste, more than 100 UN member states meet to draw up a blueprint for the first treaty controlling global plastic pollution.

Meeting at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya from Feb 28 to Mar 2, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) will tackle the creation of a landmark treaty to control plastic pollution worldwide. The UN says it could be the most important environmental pact since the Paris Agreement climate deal in 2015.

Eleven million tonnes of it ends up in the ocean each year, a figure that's expected to triple by 2040 to 29 million tonnes unless production and use of throwaway plastics such as drinks bottles, delivery packaging and grocery bags are reduced, a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts finds.

Even worse, because plastic remains in the ocean for hundreds of years, or longer, and may never biodegrade, the cumulative amount of plastic stock in the ocean could severely impact biodiversity, and ocean and human health.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 21/02/2022; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Newscom
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