India Identified as Largest Contributor to Global Plastic Pollution

New study reveals uncollected waste as primary source of 52 million tons of plastic emissions annually.

Researchers used AI to map plastic pollution across over 50,000 locations worldwide.
India emits 9.3 million tons of plastic waste annually, accounting for one-fifth of global pollution.
Uncollected waste, rather than littering, is the dominant source of plastic pollution in developing countries.
Open burning of waste contributes 57% of global plastic pollution, posing severe health risks.
Study highlights the need for targeted waste management strategies and a global plastics treaty.