Colombo, November 25 (Daily Mirror) - The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns about the escalating global plastic waste crisis, revealing that plastic waste generation has more than doubled, from 156 million tons in 2000 to 353 million tons in 2019.  

According to the CEJ, nearly two-thirds of plastic waste comes from plastics with a lifespan of under five years. Packaging accounts for 40% of this waste, followed by consumer goods at 12% and clothing and textiles at 11%. The sheer scale of plastic pollution underscores the urgent need for decisive action.  

Sri Lanka contributes to the crisis by importing approximately 500,000 tons of plastic raw materials and products annually, primarily for domestic use. This highlights the need for sustainable solutions at both global and national levels.  

While most nations are making progressive strides in negotiations for a global plastic treaty, the CEJ has noted resistance from fossil fuel-producing and plastic-manufacturing countries to adopting effective measures.  

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) summit, which begins today (November 25) in South Korea, is seen as a critical opportunity for reaching meaningful agreements to address the crisis. As part of the ongoing efforts, the Centre for Environmental Justice, in collaboration with the BASE for Enthusiasts Environmental Science and Zoology (BEEZ) society of the University of Colombo, organized a human sign action. This initiative aims to send a strong message to the delegates of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5), urging the adoption of a robust plastic treaty.  

The spotlight remains on international discussions to curb the plastic crisis and ensure a sustainable future.