India surpasses China to become top plastic polluter

The findings were based on a combination of two things: machine learning and material flow analysis, which provided an unprecedented look at the scale and sources of plastic pollution across 50,702 municipalities worldwide. 

As per the study, the global plastic waste emissions amounted to 52.1 Mt per year, with uncollected waste and open burning being the major sources of pollution, particularly in developing countries like India. 

India’s high ranking was attributed to the uncollected waste, which contributes to 68% of plastic emissions. 

Despite claims of 95% national collection coverage, the study found discrepancies in official statistics, mainly in rural areas where open burning of uncollected waste is widespread. 

This practice alone accounted for 38% of India’s plastic waste emissions, and made open burning one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the country.

The study also contrasted India’s position with China, which has made significant strides in waste management. 

China, now ranked fourth, reduced its plastic emissions through advances in waste incineration and controlled landfill practices. 

Other major contributors included Nigeria and Indonesia, ranked second and third, respectively.

This data comes at a crucial time as international negotiations by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution are underway. 

In 2022, the UNEP adopted Resolution 5/14, which laid the groundwork for an international legally binding agreement to address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle—from production and consumption to disposal. 

The study’s authors also urged global leaders to focus on addressing the root causes of plastic waste, particularly improving waste collection services in countries like India, where the problem is most severe.

As the world grapples with the growing plastic pollution crisis, India’s position as the top polluter underscores the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure, better enforcement of environmental policies, and global cooperation to reduce plastic emissions.