Rising waters, rising concerns: Plastic pollution's threat to water sustainability on Earth Day 2024

Plastic pollution is a huge problem right now. We've produced a staggering 7 billion tonnes of plastic waste globally, but hardly any of it—less than 10 percent—gets recycled. Our oceans hold between 75 to 199 million tonnes of thrown-away plastic.

What's scarier is what's coming. If we keep using and tossing plastic as we do now, experts predict the amount of plastic flowing into our oceans could nearly triple by 2040. That's a jump from 9-14 million tonnes annually in 2016 to 23-37 million. These numbers show we must act fast to stop this plastic pollution before it's too late.

Much of this plastic reaches the oceans via rivers, which are significant channels funneling debris from inland areas to marine environments - Unsurprisingly, this year’s Earth Day theme is ‘Planet vs. Plastics.’ The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Water Systems Plastic waste, whether found in rivers or oceans, can last hundreds of years in the environment. The properties that make plastics highly practical—their durability and resistance to decomposition—also render them nearly indestructible.

Instead of completely disappearing, most plastics gradually fragment into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These tiny particles can enter the human body and accumulate in various organs. Research has detected microplastics in the lungs, livers, spleens, and kidneys. Notably, a recent study has also found microplastics in newborns' placentas, indicating their pervasive presence in the environment and potential impact on human health.

Plastic pollution has become the arch-enemy of our global water sources, infiltrating marine and freshwater ecosystems with devastating effects. Annually, at least 14 million tons of plastic are deposited into the ocean, constituting 80% of all marine debris, ranging from surface waters down to deep-sea sediments, devastatingly affecting water quality and aquatic life. Recent statistics reveal a grim reality: over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a significant portion escaping waste management systems to pollute the basis of our ecological and hydrological systems.

Water Sustainability and Climate Change

Plastic waste not only litters our waters but also contributes to the broader impacts of climate change by disrupting water cycles and lowering the resilience of aquatic ecosystems. These changes result in altered weather patterns, affecting biodiversity and human communities. The disintegration of plastic debris further releases greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change and undermining efforts to maintain water sustainability.

This Earth Day, the call to action is clear: reduce plastic use and actively remove plastic from our water resources. Individuals and communities are encouraged to participate in clean-up drives, support policies promoting sustainable materials, and adopt practices that minimize plastic waste. Collective efforts are essential, as they have the potential to propel substantial policy shifts and introduce practices that contribute to both environmental protection and water sustainability.

Conclusion

On Earth Day 2024, Livprotec remains committed to highlighting these issues and strengthening an agenda that promotes water-centric solutions to climate challenges. Through global cooperation and sustained effort, there is hope. Successful interventions and ongoing initiatives worldwide provide a blueprint for what can be achieved when collective action is embraced, inspiring optimism for a healthier planet.

As we reflect on the significance of Earth Day, let's translate awareness into action. Here's how you can contribute:

• Reduce your plastic consumption by using reusable alternatives and minimizing single-use plastics daily.
• Participate in local clean-up drives to remove plastic waste from waterways and coastal areas.
• Support policies and initiatives that promote sustainable materials and responsible waste management practices in your community.
• Educate others about reducing plastic pollution and preserving our water resources for future generations.

Let's take meaningful steps to protect our planet and create a more sustainable future together.