The systemic overproduction and mismanagement of plastic waste, with global production exceeding 430 million tonnes annually and nearly half intended for single-use, overwhelms waste management infrastructure. This results in 19-23 million tons of plastic entering aquatic ecosystems each year, driving the plastic pollution crisis.

CURRENT STATE

This factor produces widespread environmental contamination. Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, harms marine and terrestrial wildlife, and introduces microplastics into food chains and human bodies. The crisis also causes significant economic losses estimated between $500 billion and $2.5 trillion annually in marine ecosystem services and contributes to serious health risks globally.

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