Millions of tons of plastic are suffocating aquatic ecosystems

Plastic pollution continues to threaten aquatic environments at an alarming rate, with millions of tonnes of waste ending up in rivers and oceans every year. According to a recent report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the amount of plastic in waters could double by 2060 if urgent action is not taken to combat this ecological crisis.

• A historical, growing problem

Since the beginning of mass plastic production in the 1950s, by 2019, 140 million tons of plastic waste have already accumulated in aquatic ecosystems. According to the OECD, almost a quarter of this amount floats in the oceans as "plastic soup", while the remaining 78% is found in freshwater ecosystems. The main cause of this accumulation is poor waste management. Uncontrolled plastic bottles, packaging and construction materials frequently end up in rivers and lakes. This waste either floats for years or is carried by currents into the oceans, where it contributes to a serious global problem. Plastic materials degrade extremely slowly, turning into microplastics that are ingested by aquatic species, affecting the food chain.

• Largest source: Asia

The problem of plastic pollution is particularly acute in Asia, where the lack of effective waste management systems and high population density exacerbate the situation. Of the approximately 100,000 rivers on the planet, only a thousand are responsible for 80% of the macroplastics that end up in the oceans. Of the top 50 rivers that carry the most plastic into the oceans, 44 are in Asia, according to researchers at the nonprofit Ocean Cleanup. The Philippines is the country that dumps the largest amount of plastic into the ocean, and the Pasig River, which runs through Manila, is considered the most plastic-polluted in the world. Along with other rivers such as the Tullahan, Ulhas and Klang, these waterways are the main sources of plastic pollution in the region.

• Gloomy predictions for the future

If swift action is not taken, the OECD estimates that by 2060, around 493 million tonnes of plastic could accumulate in aquatic environments, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, China, India and other developing parts of Asia . In contrast, Europe and the United States could see a decrease in plastic spills due to improved waste management. Economic and demographic growth is accelerating this crisis, and global plastic use could reach 1,231 million tonnes per year by 2060. Unless strict policies and innovative solutions are adopted to reduce plastic, aquatic environments will be choked by a devastating waste, with irreversible consequences for biodiversity and human health.

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The OECD report highlights the global urgency to tackle plastic pollution and implement sustainable solutions. Beyond individual efforts, governments and international organizations must work together to prevent an ecological catastrophe of global proportions. Only through concerted action and rapid intervention can we hope to protect aquatic ecosystems for future generations.