Plastic Waste Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Urgent Call for Action

The issue of plastic waste has reached alarming proportions in sub-Saharan Africa, surpassing the rate of growth in any other region. According to recent analysis, plastic waste in the region is escalating at an unprecedented pace, with projections indicating a staggering 116 million tonnes annually by 2060. This essay explores the causes and consequences of the plastic waste crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate its environmental and societal impacts.

Current Scenario: At present, sub-Saharan Africa is witnessing the open dumping or burning of enough plastic waste to cover a football pitch every minute. The charity Tearfund highlights the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the region's plastic waste production is expected to increase sixfold from 18 million tonnes in 2019 to 116 million tonnes by 2060. This surge is primarily attributed to the rising demand for plastic products, especially in the automotive industry and other sectors, fueled by increasing income and population growth.

Global Implications: The consequences of the escalating plastic waste crisis in sub-Saharan Africa extend beyond regional boundaries. With plastic use projected to nearly triple worldwide by 2060, the global environmental impact becomes a significant concern. The environmental degradation caused by mismanaged plastic waste affects not only the local population but contributes to the broader challenge of plastic pollution on a global scale.

The revelations come just before a crucial meeting of governments in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at formulating a UN treaty to combat plastic pollution. Tearfund emphasizes the importance of this treaty in curbing the plastic crisis and improving the lives of billions of people. Rich Gower, a senior economist at Tearfund, calls for substantial reductions in plastic production and advocates for waste pickers – who collect a substantial portion of globally recycled plastic – to be central to the treaty's implementation.

In the absence of global regulations, developing countries bear the brunt of the environmental and health consequences of plastic pollution. The waste pickers, who play a vital role in managing plastic waste, are disproportionately affected. They face adverse health impacts and environmental hazards while dealing with the consequences of plastic pollution.

The Role of Local Initiatives: An open letter from bishops and localnchurch leaders highlights the severity of the issue, describing mountains of mismanaged plastic waste in the region. Local initiatives, such as waste pickers in Kenya advocating for justice, healthcare, proper income, and improved working conditions, underscore the importance of community-led efforts in addressing the plastic waste crisis.

The plastic waste crisis in sub-Saharan Africa demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts on both local and global scales. The upcoming UN treaty negotiations provide a crucial platform to set binding regulations, reduce plastic production, and prioritize the inclusion of waste pickers in sustainable waste management practices. It is imperative to address the root causes of the issue, including rising demand and inadequate waste management infrastructure, to pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Source

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/08/plastic-waste-spiralling-out-of-control-across-africa-analysis-shows