Answering 10 burning questions about plastic pollution

3. Where do you find plastic pollution? 

4. Why is plastic pollution such a problem? 

There are three big reasons.  

First, plastic pollution can wreak havoc on ecosystems. One study found that small plastic particles can slow the growth of a microscopic marine algae known as phytoplankton, which is the base of several aquatic food webs. As well, fish often mistakenly eat plastic products, filling their stomachs with indigestible shards that cause them to starve to death.  

Second, plastic often breaks down into tiny fragments – known as microplastics and nanoplastics – which can build up in the human body. Microplastics have been found in livers, testicles – even breast milk. One study found that on average, a litre of bottled water contains in the range of 240,000 microplastics.  

Third, plastic throughout its life cycle also contributes to climate change. Plastic production – an energy-hungry process – was responsible for more than 3 per cent of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, researchers estimate.  

5. What do microplastics do to humans? 

We don’t know yet. But researchers are working feverishly to find out because of the alarming amount of microplastics we are ingesting.

6. Can recycling alone end the plastic pollution crisis? 

No. Only about 9 per cent of plastics are actually recycled, according to a study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. There are several reasons for that. Many plastic products are not designed to be reused and recycled. Some are too flimsy to be recycled, while others can only be recycled once or twice. Many countries lack the infrastructure to collect and recycle plastic waste. But perhaps the biggest problem: recycling systems cannot keep up with the explosion of plastic waste. Global plastic production doubled between 2000 and 2019.  

7. So, how can the world tackle plastic pollution? 

We need to think big. That means looking beyond recycling and finding ways to limit the environmental and health problems caused by plastic pollution. This means looking at every stage of products’ lives, from their production, design, and consumption to their disposal. This is known as the lifecycle approach. In practical terms, that means reducing our dependence on single-use plastic products. It means redesigning plastic products so that they last longer, are less dangerous and can be reused and ultimately recycled. It means finding alternatives to plastics in a range of products. And it means preventing plastics from seeping into the environment. 

 8. This all sounds expensive and difficult. Is it? 

Not necessarily. Governments, corporations, non-profit groups and people around the world are already rolling out innovative solutions to end plastic pollution. And research suggests the lifecycle approach could save the world US$4.5 trillion in social and environmental costs through 2040. 

“We need to stop thinking about solutions to plastic pollution as an expense,” said Tonda. “They’re investments in healthy societies and a healthy planet—things that would pay dividends for generations to come.” 

9. What is the world doing about plastic pollution? 

Many countries are taking on pollution at the national level with laws designed to rein-in the use of single-use plastic products and compel plastic manufacturers to take long-term responsibility for their products. However, because plastic pollution is a cross-border problem, international cooperation is critical. That’s why nations are now negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee – tasked with developing the accord—will meet for the second part of its fifth session from 5 to 14 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks, say experts, are an acknowledgment by world leaders of the severity of the plastic pollution crisis and the need for a legally binding agreement to address it. 

10. Why is there so much urgency to beat plastic pollution? 

Without decisive action, the problem of plastic pollution will only get worse. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts that by 2060, plastic waste will nearly triple to one billion tonnes a year. If current trends continue, this will lead to an increase in plastic pollution with nearly half of the newly generated plastic waste landfilled, incinerated or lost into the environment. 

World Environment Day on 5 June is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by UNEP and held annually since 1973, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet. This year, World Environment Day joins the UNEP-led #BeatPlasticPollution campaign to end plastic pollution.   

Since 2018, the UNEP-led #BeatPlasticPollution campaign has advocated for a just, collective, and global transition to a world free of plastic pollution.