710 million tons of Plastic pollution.
This is mentioned in a research report published in the journal Science in 2020.
In this study, scientists combined the information of global plastic processing and flow with the model independently developed by the team to predict that by 2040, about 710 million tons of Plastic pollution will enter the environment, including land and sea.
Plastic, Convenience of Life and Environmental Crisis
In 1909, Beckland, an American, produced phenolic resin (also known as Beckland plastic) from phenol and formaldehyde, which was the first plastic in human history to be completely artificially synthesized. Subsequently, after a hundred years of development, the production technology of plastics continued to improve. Due to its high strength, low weight, good corrosion resistance, insulation, and thermal insulation, plastics have been favored by various industries - from household products to aviation, medicine, and other fields - and have become an essential part of modern life.
But with the development of society, people gradually realize that plastic products not only bring convenience to human life, but also have a huge impact on Earth's resources and environment. The traditional plastic production process requires a large amount of water and mineral fuels, and emits harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.
At the same time, due to its stable structure, plastic is not easily decomposed by natural microorganisms and will exist in the natural environment for a long time. These plastic products that have been used and discarded by humans can affect the cultivation of farmland soil, pose a threat to animal survival, and even have an impact on human health.
Plastics, Supporting the Path of Sustainable Development
It must be acknowledged that human production and life cannot do without plastics. But due to its negative impact on the environment and resources, people are starting to think about how to balance the relationship between their own needs and ecology.
In recent years, various countries have introduced relevant policies to guide the green and environmentally friendly development of the plastic industry. In September 2015, the United Nations formally adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), three of which require countries to solve relevant environmental problems in a comprehensive manner, address climate change, and promote the sustainable development of Terrestrial ecosystem and marine resources. In January 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly issued the Opinions on Further Strengthening the Treatment of Plastic pollution, proposing to strengthen innovation guidance, scientific and technological support, and effectively, orderly and effectively control Plastic pollution.
As one of the pillar industries of the national economy, the plastic industry should respond to social development needs, follow policy guidelines, and focus on the harmonious coexistence of the industry and the ecological environment. Relevant enterprises need to actively seek and use environmentally friendly resin materials with low energy consumption and easy degradation as raw materials to minimize the impact of plastic products on resources and the environment.
