Author: Florine Auboire
A new report by experts from the Environmental Law Institute, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Dr. Karen Raubenheimer of the University of Wollongong, Plastics: Exposing Their Climate Impacts, offers a comprehensive analysis of the climate implications of plastics throughout their lifecycle. The study underscores the urgent need to integrate plastics into climate policies and research agendas.
The report emphasises that plastics are not merely pollutants but significant contributors to climate change. From production to disposal, plastics emit greenhouse gases (GHGs), with the manufacturing phase alone releasing approximately 535 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually. This figure is projected to rise as plastic production increases. Notably, incineration of plastic waste is identified as the most emissions-intensive disposal method, with emissions intensities reaching up to 3.6 kg CO₂e per kilogram of plastic, depending on the polymer type.
The study highlights significant gaps in data, particularly concerning the emissions from the transportation and consumption stages of plastics. While transportation emissions are relatively low, ranging from 0.03 to 0.13 kg CO₂e/kg plastic, the consumption phase remains under-researched. Additionally, the report notes that chemical recycling processes can be more emissions-intensive than mechanical recycling, with some methods producing over 3 kg CO₂e/kg plastic.
Beyond direct emissions, plastics affect the global carbon cycle. Microplastics have been found in atmospheric transport and Arctic sea ice, which acts as a sink for these particles. As sea ice melts due to warming temperatures, stored microplastics are released, potentially disrupting carbon sequestration processes. Furthermore, extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, can disperse mismanaged plastic waste, exacerbating environmental impacts.
The authors call for immediate action to address the climate impacts of plastics. Recommendations include:
- Integrating plastics into national and international climate policies.
- Promoting research to fill data gaps, especially in under-studied lifecycle stages.
- Implementing strategies to reduce plastic production and encourage reuse.
- Enhancing waste management practices to minimise emissions from disposal methods.
By acknowledging plastics as a significant climate issue, the report aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and the public, advocating for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the environmental and climatic impacts of plastic pollution.
The report is available here
