A report released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on the 3rd shows that by 2060, the global annual output of plastic products will reach 1.2 billion tons, nearly three times the current level; if the recycling rate is not improved, the amount of plastic waste will also increase by nearly three times. .

  According to OECD data, the global consumption of plastic products in 2019 was about 460 million tons, doubling from 20 years ago.

The amount of plastic waste has also almost doubled to more than 350 million tonnes, of which less than 10% is recycled.

  According to the report, since the 1950s, humans have produced about 8.3 billion tons of plastic products, of which 60% have been landfilled, incinerated or directly dumped into rivers, lakes and seas.

  The sheer volume, wide distribution and impact of plastic waste is alarming.

Research has shown that plastic particles have been found in deep-sea fish and on the bottom of the Arctic.

It is estimated that plastic waste kills more than 1 million seabirds and more than 100,000 marine mammals each year.

  "Plastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental challenges of the 21st century, causing widespread damage to environmental systems and human health," said OECD Secretary-General Matthias Coleman.

  The report predicts that by 2060, the use of plastic products in North America, Europe and East Asia will double by 2060; in other emerging markets and developing countries, this amount will increase by 3 to 5 times; in sub-Saharan Africa increased to more than 6 times.

  According to the report, due to economic development and population growth, the global production of plastic products will inevitably increase, but effective recycling policies can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste.

  "Collaborative and aggressive global efforts could almost eliminate plastic pollution by 2060," the report said.

  The report points out that plastic waste recycling also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At present, the annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic products are around 2 billion tons, accounting for about 3% of human greenhouse gas emissions.

The OECD warns that this number will double by 2060 if the relevant restrictions are not set.

  On March 2, the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, passed the "Resolution on Ending Plastic Pollution (Draft)".

The resolution is legally binding and aims to advance the global fight against plastic pollution.