Plastic Production Accelerates Climate Change with Alarming Carbon Emissions
Recent studies show that global plastic production generates about 1.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to the total annual emissions of the world’s sixth-largest country. The entire plastic lifecycle—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation and waste disposal—releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, making plastic a significant driver of climate change.
Plastic-Related Emissions Could Account for 13% of Global Carbon Budget by 2050
According to a joint report by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Energy Agency, if plastic production and consumption continue at the current pace, plastic-related greenhouse gas emissions may account for 13% of the global carbon budget by 2050. This means the plastic industry will become a critical challenge in global emission reduction goals, severely hindering countries’ progress toward carbon neutrality.
Carbon Footprint Across the Plastic Lifecycle
Plastic’s carbon emissions come not only from production but also from fossil fuel extraction and refining, transportation of plastic products, and final incineration or landfilling. The greenhouse gases released by burning plastic waste further intensify climate pressure. Additionally, greenhouse gases such as methane and ethylene produced during plastic degradation have hidden impacts on the climate system.