The Cycle of Plastic

The world’s plastic consumption is now at an unconscionable level. How far and wide plastics have reached into our lives is becoming more palpable each day.

However, despite our rapidly growing awareness, plastic manufacturers are not slowing down.

When more plastic is manufactured, more plastic waste is unavoidable. And more plastic waste means the worsening condition of waste colonialism. Since China banned plastic imports in 2018, Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam have gradually become the primary recipients of this unprocessed plastic waste. In 2023, the plastic waste Vietnam imported far exceeded 420,000 tons.

The UN reports that, at this rate, plastic waste will triple by 2060, resulting in unbearable burdens on our ecosystem and human health. Already, eleven million metric tons of plastic waste enter our ocean, adding to the 200 million tons existing in the marine environment.

This World Environment Day (June 5th), we must reflect on how our plastic consumption affects the world. As our ocean circulates, so will the plastic waste.

This award-winning photograph is from the ninth season, “Water”, of the Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) Archive. The Climate Tribe has partnered with HIPA, leveraging the power of photography to inspire global awareness of sustainability and advance climate action.