Plastic Overshoot Day: The shocking truth about the waste we produce

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Today marks Plastic Overshoot Day, the point when plastic waste surpasses global waste management capacity
• In 2024, more than 220 million tonnes of plastic waste will be generated, with 66% of the global population living in regions unable to manage this waste

🔭 The context: Despite improvements in waste management, rising plastic production outpaces these efforts, leaving one-third of plastic mismanaged
• A final round of UN negotiations in November aims to develop the first legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Mismanaged plastic waste continues to pollute ecosystems, contributing to a global environmental crisis
• A comprehensive UN treaty could help regulate plastic production, ban harmful chemicals, and set ambitious recycling goals to curb the crisis

⏭️ What's next: Earth Action will work with businesses and policymakers to push for strong regulations at the upcoming treaty talks in South Korea, while urging corporations to adopt circular supply chains

💬 One quote: "Plastic Overshoot Day should serve both as a testament to our current trajectory and as a blueprint for necessary action." – Sarah Perreard, Co-CEO, Earth Action

📈 One stat: Plastic waste has increased by 7.11% since 2021, with around 69.5 million tonnes of plastic expected to remain unmanaged in nature by year-end

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