Image: Brian Yurasits via Unsplash
The Philippines has emerged as the top contributor to plastic pollution in the oceans, despite the fact that China and the United States lead the world when it comes to global plastic production and greenhouse gas emissions, according to The Independent.
A report by the consulting group Utility Bidder, using data from the publication Our World in Data, reveals that the Philippines generates 3.30 kilograms of mismanaged plastic waste per person annually. In stark contrast, the United States contributes less than 0.01 kilograms per person.
Although the Philippines is a major contributor to plastic pollution, it ranks only 42nd for waste exports per capita.
Suriname ranked second when it comes to mismanaged plastic waste, producing 2.89 kilograms per person. The top five also includes other island nations, with Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia ranking third and fourth, respectively, and Malaysia rounding out the top five with 2.29 kilograms per person each year.
Each year, millions of tons of plastic pollute the planet’s waterways, with less than 10% of global plastic production being recycled.
Slovenia tops the global list for plastic waste exports, averaging 63 kilograms per person each year.
According to Utility Bidder, approximately 0.5% of plastic waste reaches the oceans, while nearly 25% of global plastic waste is improperly managed or discarded as litter.
According to the report, other large countries produced much less plastic pollution per person each year. Canada and the United Kingdom generated similar amounts to the United States, while India produced nearly 0.09 kilograms per person, and China produced about 0.05 kilograms. Brazil, which is set to host next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, produced 0.18 kilograms per capita
