Mahmud Kamal Anamul Haque
Climate conditions depend on the atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, Earth’s biodiversity and the motion of the sun at the center of our solar system. Its chemical constituents are nitrogen, oxygen and small amounts of other gaseous substances. These gaseous substances contain natural greenhouse gases, which are very effective in protecting our biodiversity. But when the amount of these greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, increases, we see global warming and climate change. For example, globally the surface temperature of the earth is gradually increasing. Global temperatures are now one degree Celsius warmer than they were 150 years ago, in the Victorian era. Mathematically, this increase in temperature is small, but its impact on climate change and local weather is very high.
Every year, 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere from human-made activities. Of that, 33 billion tons of carbon dioxide is emitted from fossil fuels and industries. About 16 billion tons of carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere and the rest is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, plants, and animal growth and decay. If carbon dioxide continues to accumulate in the atmosphere, our civilization will collapse before the end of this century. If this level of pollution continues, by 2040 the weight of these plastics floating in the ocean will exceed the collective weight of the fish in the ocean.
In the United States, President Joe Biden said he now supports an earlier environmental deal that former President Donald Trump opposed. However, Biden is skeptical that the congressional decision will go in his favor. Because oil and gas produce the most plastic, both of which the U.S. produces more of. On the other hand, countries like China, UAE are silent about this agreement. However, China is the largest producer of virgin plastic. EIA reporter Tom Gammage said the visible side of plastic pollution has managed to attract widespread public attention, but the effects of plastic pollution are largely invisible. Professor Richard Thompson of Plymouth University said that a UN agreement should focus on analyzing the full life cycle of plastics.
He further said that the cause of this problem is dependent on unsustainable levels of plastic production and consumption. Professor Hans Peter Arp of the Norwegian University said that he and one of his colleagues believe that plastic pollution exceeds the three boundaries of the global threat. Which are – 1. increase exposure; 2. Unchanged presences in global ecosystem and 3. Ecological threats increase and which will further increase with plastic emissions.
The production of plastic products requires fossil fuels and these fossil fuels cause global warming. So fossil fuels are the common denominator of plastics and climate change. This can be seen mathematically. Two kilograms of oil and raw materials are required to produce one kilogram of polyethylene. Here oil means energy. Burning one kilogram of oil produces three kilograms of carbon dioxide. If the average weight of a plastic bag is 33 grams, then five plastic bags release approximately one kilogram of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It should be noted here that 8 percent of global oil production is used to make plastic.
Among them, 27 million tons of plastic waste were produced in Europe and 33.3 million tons in the United States in 2016. So, it can be easily assumed that the adverse role of plastic in global warming and climate change is immense.
Another environmental problem of plastic is ocean pollution and its adverse reactions. At least 12.7 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. However, Bangladesh ranks 187th in terms of population and Denmark ranks 19th in terms of population. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated in 2017 that by 2050, we will see more plastic than fish in the ocean. It should be noted here that in 2002, Bangladesh was the first country to ban the use of plastic bags. It is observed that plastic bags obstruct the drainage system during floods. After that, many countries of the world took the initiative to ban plastic bags. For example, Morocco banned the use of plastic bags in 2016 and Kenya in 2017. Uncontrolled plastic waste has extremely adverse effects on human health, the environment, biodiversity and all ecosystems. Microplastics are entering our food chain which is dangerous to human health.
Regular use of plastic and dependence on plastic products has increased the level of plastic pollution manifold. Plastic pollution is indirectly responsible for global warming. The government is working to prevent this pollution of the environment. Sustainable plastic management implementation activities have been undertaken. Tackling plastic pollution is not only an important development agenda, it will also ensure a green growth path for Bangladesh. Besides, green is a good opportunity for job creation. The government has responded proactively to this challenge by enacting several laws, rules, regulations, policies and green growth strategic plans.
To prevent plastic pollution, dumping stations should be constructed to prevent waste management in the divisional cities. Recycling process should be strengthened. Increase the use of jute products and reduce the price at the consumer level and ensure the use of cloth bags. Throw plastic products in the sea, rivers and water bodies and build dustbins in markets and public places across the country. The state, media and common people should come forward to create public awareness to stop the production and use of plastic.
The Environment Minister said that the Government of Bangladesh has finalized the Multisectoral Action Plan for sustainable plastic management in Bangladesh. The National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastics Management’ emphasizes circular use of plastics based on a 3R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. A circular economy will help create new value chains, skills, innovative products and environmentally friendly. Plastic is indirectly contributing to global warming. Pollution from plastics has caused a global emergency and there is ample evidence of damage from plastics. Therefore, it is necessary to bring the entire country of the world under a United Nations agreement to control plastic.
Managing Editor
The Environment Review
Email: mahmudkamalk@gmail.com
envreview.com 