In recent years, the world has faced three most pressing environmental issues; namely, climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss simply referred to as the triple planetary crisis. All the three crises have different causes and effects, but one thing is common in them all: plastics.
The global production of plastics doubled from the year 2000 to 2019, reaching 460 million tonnes — and this number may triple by the year 2050 if we don’t act proactively.
You may ask what plastic production has to do with the triple planetary crisis? How does it concern me? Join me as we delve in to understand the relationship between plastic and the triple planetary crisis, its impact on us, and ways we can pressure decision-makers to take action.
Plastics and the Climate Crisis
Climate change, the long term shifts in weather patterns and temperatures, has been one of the most pressing global environmental crises of the century. The climate crisis contributes greatly to frequent extreme weather events across the world — such as the widespread floods across Africa in recent months. The UN says that the climate crisis disproportionately impacts Global South countries because we do not have the same resourcing as wealthier countries to respond to climate impacts. We have a lot more to lose in this crisis, and plastic is greatly contributing to making the crisis worse.
Approximately 99% of plastic begins as a fossil fuel, and carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are emitted at each stage throughout plastic’s life cycle. At the extraction stage, drilling of oil and gas releases harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide to the atmosphere through the process of burning gases called flaring.
When plastic products are being manufactured a lot of energy is needed and diesel is used in this process emitting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. At the last stage of the cycle, disposed plastic waste ends up either in landfill, rivers, oceans and soil, breaking down into microplastics and emitting greenhouse gases back to the atmosphere.
Plastic’s life cycle contributes to approximately 3.4% (2019) of total carbon emission and according to a report by CIEL. The cumulation of greenhouse gas emissions from plastic could cover 10-13% percent of the remaining carbon budget by the year 2050.
Photo: https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MZIFJFQ0PYO
Plastics and Biodiversity Loss
A student video went viral when she showed the world how plastic straws affect turtles in the sea, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. In many circumstances, biodiversity in both water and land ecosystems are affected by plastics pollution. The skyrocketing production of plastics is driving oil and gas demand. It is not surprising then, that so many new oil and gas projects are popping up across the continent. For example, in the Congo forest, a large patch of the lush forest is about to be auctioned to pave the way for oil exploration and drilling activities. These activities will lead to loss of habitat for birds and other forest animals and also affect the Indigenous communities living in the forest.
The ocean ecosystems are not left behind. Offshore oil exploration, drilling and transport has led to loss of essential ecosystems to support vast ocean biodiversity. A few years ago, an oil tanker leaked oil in Mauritius ocean waters leading to the death of fish and other ocean plants and animals.
In several instances whales and other big marine animals have been washed ashore with their bellies full of plastics, the indigestible nature of plastics gives a feeling that they are full and in turn they die of starvation. Pictures of birds have circulated the internet showing trapped plastics on their beaks, wings and legs. Making them immobile and unable to feed themselves and end up dying.
Plastic found in soil through littering and plastics infused fertilisers have limited plants’ ability to absorb nutrients, and thus leading to stunted growth and eventual wilting. Plastic transboundary nature exacerbates dispersal of marine invasive species; characteristics like persistence, buoyancy, and chemical composition creates a perfect environment for invasive species to move from one side of the ocean beyond their native grounds becoming alien species causing havoc in the oceans ecosystems.
Photo: https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MZIF2DM62B
Plastics and Pollution
Less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, the other 90% is floating around in the environment either in the soil, air or water ways. Plastic has been found in the deepest and highest part of the continent and no ecosystem has been left untouched.
Plastic pollution has been named as the current environmental crisis by resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment program stamping the transboundary nature of the crisis.
According to the tearfund report, during the rainy season it is estimated that 218 million of the world’s poorest people are at risk from more severe and frequent flooding caused by plastic waste. In places like Mombasa, Kenya, plastic pollution has created a good breeding ground for the virus-carrying mosquito larvae that cause illness.
Plastics being burnt at landfills in most African countries, end up polluting the air and as a result leading to respiratory diseases and exacerbating the climate crisis.
Photo: https://media.greenpeace.org/Detail/27MDHUHNQUZG
How do we stop these crises?
As world leaders meet at UNEA6 in Nairobi Kenya from 26th February 2024 to discuss how countries’ cooperation can help tackle the triple planetary crisis, the discussion on plastic pollution and the solutions should remain at the forefront.
To tackle this triple planetary crisis fueled by the plastics crisis, world leaders must support a strong Global Plastics Treaty, a global agreement that must:
- Cut total plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 to meet the 1.5° C target for our climate and to protect our health and the human rights of our communities.
- Tackle the whole lifecycle of plastics from extraction to disposal.
- Keep oil and gas used to make plastics in the ground and demand big brands to switch to refill and reuse systems and reduce single use plastic production.
- Hold countries accountable for managing their own waste and ending waste colonialism.
- Ensure a just transition for workers and the health of the most affected communities.
We must demand for a strong Global Plastics Treaty. Add your voice here.
Gerance Mutwol is the Greenpeace Africa Plastics Campaigner, based in Nairobi, Kenya.