Ayesha Mudassar

A comprehensive circular economy approach is required to contribute to global efforts to combat climate crisis, said a renowned economic expert. Talking to WealthPK, Executive Director at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Dr Abid Suleri said rapidly increasing plastic pollution represents a serious global environmental issue that negatively impacts the environmental, social, economic, and health dimensions. “Problematic plastics are destroying infrastructure, impacting energy production, clogging our drains, destabilising the climate, impacting tourism revenue, and creating risks to human health,” he added. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report titled “Turning off the tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy” highlighted that worldwide plastic production has increased exponentially and millions of tons of plastic waste escaped into the oceans.

It soared from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 375 million metric tonnes in 2017. Approximately, 7 billion of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic produced from 1950-2017 became plastic waste, ending up in landfills or dumped, the report pointed out. As per the UNEP, less than 10% of the 7 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been recycled. Around the world, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, and up to five trillion plastic bags are used every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes. In the light of growing concern regarding the plastic pollution crisis, Dr Abid recommended numerous strategies. These include raising awareness among common people, establishing a comprehensive framework for phasing out single-use plastics, and encouraging investment towards solid waste management. Moreover, he said, the use of biodegradable alternatives can help reduce plastic waste.

He called upon all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and the media, to renew their commitment to combat plastic pollution and preserve the planet's biodiversity for future generations. Special Assistant to Prime Minister Romina Khurshid Alam said at a recent event that a harmonised regulatory framework and implementation commitment from all relevant stakeholders was required to beat plastic pollution, which has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. Speaking during the policy dialogue on ‘Reimagining plastics and renewable solutions to environmental degradation’, Romina pointed out that ending plastic pollution requires a complete redesign of how to produce, use, and dispose of plastics. She said a robust treaty with globally binding rules was required to accelerate the country’s recycling market and ensure safe disposal of problematic plastics.

Credit: INP-WealthPk