India's Role in Global Plastic Waste Crisis

• 13 Apr 2024

According to a new report by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action released on 11th April 2024 revealed that, India, along with eleven other nations, contributes to 60% of the world's mismanaged plastic waste.

Key Points

• Key Contributors: Twelve countries, including India, China, Russia, Brazil, and the United States, are major contributors to mismanaged plastic waste worldwide.
• India's Status: While India's per capita plastic waste production is low (8 kg per capita per year), its expected mismanaged waste in 2024 is still significant at 7.4 million tons.
• Microplastics and Additives: India is estimated to release large amounts of microplastics (391,879 tons) and chemical additives (31,483 tons) into the environment and waterways.
• Comparative Analysis: Despite Belgium's high plastic waste generation per person (147.7 kg), India ranks low in plastic waste generation, but its mismanaged plastic waste remains concerning.
• Oman's Challenge: Oman tops the list for mismanaged plastic waste, with 111 kg per person in 2024, highlighting a pressing issue in waste management.
• Plastic Overshoot Day: By April 2024, nearly half of the world's population will reside in areas where plastic waste exceeds management capacity, with India reaching its Plastic Overshoot Day on April 23.