2024年全球塑料消费量据估突破5亿吨，其中3.99亿吨沦为废弃物 协力推动全球塑料污染治理（国际视点）

Core Viewpoint - The global plastic consumption is projected to exceed 500 million tons in 2024, with nearly 399 million tons becoming waste, highlighting the urgent need for international agreements to combat plastic pollution [1][2]. Group 1: Plastic Pollution Crisis - Nearly half of the plastic produced annually is single-use, with 18% to 20% of plastic waste entering the oceans [2]. - Without intervention, plastic waste entering the oceans could reach 37 million tons annually by 2040 [2]. - Cumulative economic losses from plastic pollution could amount to $281 trillion from 2016 to 2040, with total plastic entering the environment expected to increase by 50% by 2040 [2][4]. Group 2: Impact on Vulnerable Regions - Coastal areas and small island developing countries are disproportionately affected by plastic waste, despite contributing only 1.3% of global plastic waste [3]. - Research indicates that Easter Island experiences an average of 500 pieces of plastic waste washing ashore every hour [3]. Group 3: Microplastics and Health Concerns - Microplastics pose significant risks, potentially causing agricultural losses of 110 million to 360 million tons annually and seafood losses of 1.05 million to 2.43 million tons [4]. - The economic losses related to health issues from plastic pollution are estimated to exceed $1.5 trillion annually [4]. Group 4: Global Legislative Actions - The European Union has implemented measures to curb plastic pollution, including the ban on single-use plastic items effective from July 2021 [5][6]. - Germany has introduced regulations to increase the use of recycled materials and has implemented a fee system for single-use plastic producers [6]. - Ethiopia has enacted a law banning single-use plastic bags, with penalties for violations [7]. Group 5: China's Initiatives - China has been proactive in addressing plastic pollution, reducing plastic bag usage by over two-thirds since the implementation of the "plastic limit order" in 2008 [8]. Group 6: Circular Economy and Alternatives - Experts emphasize that recycling alone cannot solve the plastic crisis, advocating for a shift towards a circular economy involving innovation and policy coordination [9]. - The global trade in non-plastic alternatives reached $485 billion in 2023, with a growth rate of 5.6% in developing economies [9]. - Companies are exploring biodegradable packaging solutions, with significant reductions in single-use plastic packaging reported [9]. Group 7: Research and Development - Research institutions are classifying over 16,000 chemicals in plastics to inform regulatory policies and promote sustainable design [10]. - Digital tools for tracking plastic products are suggested to enhance lifecycle management and accountability [10].