Global treaty to tackle plastic waste
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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
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PLASTIC WASTE (Million tonnes)

450 350 250 150 50 0

2016 2020 2030 2040

Mismanaged plastic expected to double to 239m tonnes by 2040 unless use of throwaway plastics – drink bottles, grocery bags, packaging – is reduced

Recycling 
Disposal

2016 Managed: 129m (59%)

2016 Mismanaged: 91m (41%)

2040 Mismanaged: 239m (56%)

2040 Managed: 191m (44%)

11 million tonnes of plastic ends up in ocean each year – figure expected to triple by 2040 to 29 million tonnes

Plastic leakage 29 million
  
Terrestrial Leakage  77 million
 
Open burning 133 million
  

Plastic remains in ocean for hundreds of years – cumulative stock severely impacts biodiversity, and ocean and human health

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Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts Picture: Newscom
© GRAPHIC NEWS