Plastic waste crisis is transforming Earth’s systems, warn scientists

Plastic pollution isn’t just an eyesore or a waste issue — it's a crisis reshaping our entire planetary system, from our oceans to human health, as scientists urge global treaty action to rein in production.

Sandra Laville reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• A new analysis finds that plastic pollution impacts climate, biodiversity, freshwater and more, altering key planetary processes.
• As nations prepare for UN treaty talks, debates continue on whether production cuts should target the $712 billion plastic industry.
• Only 9% of plastic is recycled, with most ending up as waste that persists across ecosystems and inside the human body.

Key quote:

"Plastics are made out of the combination of thousands of chemicals. Many of them, such as endocrine disruptors and forever chemicals, pose toxicity and harm to ecosystems and human health."

— Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez, Stockholm Resilience Centre

Why this matters:

Is it time to curb plastic production? That’s the billion-dollar question and for the plastic industry, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But while industry argues for innovation over production cuts, the science is clear. Plastic pollution is a direct threat to our planet’s health, and by extension, to ours. Read more: A plastic recipe for societal suicide.