World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)

7 New Members Join the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)

The new members include Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania.

About the Global Plastic Action Partnership

• Launched: At WEF’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit in 2018.
• Role: It serves as the plastic-focused pillar of the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy and Friends of Ocean Action.
• Current Members: 25 members, including Maharashtra State from India.
• Objectives: The partnership aims to accelerate the global response to the plastic pollution crisis by uniting governments, businesses, and civil society. It also works to advance the circular plastics economy to reduce emissions and protect land and ocean ecosystems.
• Key Activities: GPAP helps countries develop National Action Roadmaps and mobilize investment for waste management.

Challenges in Handling Global Plastic Waste

• Scalability: Global plastic waste has more than doubled since 2000, according to the OECD's Global Plastic Outlook Report (2022). In 2024, India became the world’s largest plastic emitter.
• Limited Recycling: Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 19% is incinerated, and nearly 50% is sent to landfills.

Impact of Plastic Waste

• On the Environment: Plastic waste affects land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and contributing to climate change. Plastic pollution is responsible for an estimated 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, particularly methane from landfills.
• On Health: Microplastics from plastic waste enter the food chain, causing harm to both animal and human health.
• On the Economy: Plastic pollution negatively impacts sectors like tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and water safety, leading to a decline in income.

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