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https://theconversation.com/while-plastic-dominates-human-consumption-the-global-economy-will-remain-hooked-on-fossil-fuels-247393>
"In early December 2024, hopes for a landmark global treaty to curb plastic
pollution were dashed as negotiations in South Korea stalled. Leading the
campaign against the deal were major oil-producing nations, especially Saudi
Arabia and Russia, who argued for a more flexible approach to any legally
binding limits on plastic manufacturing.
The collapse of any agreement came despite scientific research delivering ever
more alarming warnings about the dangers of plastic pollution. Over the last
two years, an avalanche of studies have revealed the pervasive presence of tiny
plastic particles in human blood, brains, and even placental tissue.
These particles, which stem from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have
been linked to everything from inflammation to hormonal disruption, and
potential long-term health risks such as cancer. Aside from their effects on
human health, plastics are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, with
microplastics now found in Arctic ice and in the bodies of fish and birds.
Behind these alarming studies stands a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of
plastic production. The annual global production of plastics reportedly grew
nearly two hundredfold between 1950 (two million tonnes) and 2015 (381 million
tonnes), and the pace of growth is accelerating.
Over half of all plastics ever made were produced in the past 25 years, and
production levels are estimated to double or triple again by 2050. And more
production brings more waste.
Less than 10% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled. And the volume
of “mismanaged plastics” – those which are not recycled, incinerated, or sealed
in landfills – is also estimated to double by 2050.
It seems as if humans have become the organic detritus within a plastic world
of our own creation."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
