By Tiffani Cao
I. INTRODUCTION
In an era with a multitude of environmental concerns, the intricate interplay of plastic production, plastic disposal systems, and the overarching issues of climate change have emerged as a pressing global challenge. While plastic provides versatility, convenience, and
durability, its hidden costs pose an alarming predicament. These costs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change.
Exploring further how plastic contributes to climate change through production and disposal reveals that the material generates a cascade of greenhouse gases. These include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, all of which detrimentally impact our planet’s climate balance. The emissions associated with plastic are not limited to its production but also extend to its end-of-life management system. The disposal of plastic through recycling, incineration, and landfills releases an abundance of these potent pollutants, compounding the challenges posed by climate change.
While these challenges are often examined separately, this research highlights the urgency of addressing the connections between plastic and climate change to create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. It investigates the synergy between plastic production, disposal practices, and the broader climate crisis, underscoring the interdependence of these issues.
Additionally, this research paper delves into several key recommendations or potential solutions, including the creation of a comprehensive global treaty or policy for regulating plastic pollution, promoting zero-waste policies and embracing a circular economy, banning single-use plastics, ending plastic subsidies, and mandating the extended producer responsibility policy. These measures are explored to develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to address the environmental crises of our time, reduce plastic pollution, and mitigate climate change. By implementing these measures, we can transition towards a future where plastic is either holistically eliminated or serves its intended purpose without compromising the health of our planet and the well-being of current and future generations.
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