Plastic pollution is causing more than $1.5 trillion in health-related economic damage each year and is linked to illness and death throughout the human lifespan, according to a new review published in 'The Lancet' on Sunday.
Describing the issue as a 'plastics crisis', the authors stress that it is preventable with the right action. They call for science-backed and cost-effective policies, including strict regulation, enforcement, and financial incentives- modelled on past successes in reducing air pollution and lead exposure.
The findings have been released just as global efforts to forge a legally binding plastics treaty resume in Geneva.
The review warns that plastic pollution is a growing and serious threat to both human and environmental health.
It notes that plastic production has surged from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 475 million tons in 2022, and could reach 1.2 billion tons by 2060.
Around 8 billion tons of plastic waste has accumulated globally, with most of it still polluting ecosystems due to its resistance to degradation. Fewer than 10% of plastics are ever recycled.
The study comes as representatives from more than 170 countries gather for the second phase of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), which runs from 5 to 14 August in Geneva. The talks are seen as a critical opportunity to push forward a global treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution.
SpaceX launched its 50th Dragon spacecraft mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, delivering 5,000 lbs of supplies and scientific...
Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU-U.S. tariff agreement, calling it a "conscious decision" that prevented a trade war, while responding to Mari...
Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th of the year, intensified as it struck Hainan's coastal city of Sanya on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and heig...
Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel. Houthi media said at least two people ...
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, rejected U.S. negotiations and criticized Israel in a speech on August 24, 2025, emphasizing that Iran would not ...
SpaceX launched its 50th Dragon spacecraft mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, delivering 5,000 lbs of supplies and scientific experiments. The CRS-33 mission also supports critical research for future human space exploration.
The South Caucasus, a geopolitically significant but narrow passway between Europe and Asia, has recently become the center of global focus once again
Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU-U.S. tariff agreement, calling it a "conscious decision" that prevented a trade war, while responding to Mario Draghi's criticism of the EU's influence in global trade.
Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th of the year, intensified as it struck Hainan's coastal city of Sanya on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and heightened risks of flash floods and geological disasters. Authorities have activated emergency measures to ensure safety and prevent damage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Brazil’s government has ruled out subsidising hotel costs for delegates attending the COP30 climate summit in Belém this November, despite growing concerns over soaring accommodation prices.
Spain is still battling massive wildfires, but cooler weather has given firefighters a much-needed boost in their fight against the flames.
A Portuguese firefighter was severely injured on Thursday after flames suddenly engulfed his fire engine during a wildfire sweeping through central and northern Portugal.
A study published in Nature on Thursday highlights that the rapid decline of Antarctic sea ice may represent a crucial tipping point for the global climate.
Ocean acidification, caused by rising CO₂, is silently reshaping marine life, threatening shellfish, coral reefs, and coastal communities. Scientists warn its impacts could ripple through food chains, economies, and human livelihoods unless urgent action is taken.
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