The Plastic Crisis in the Global South: How Western Waste Overwhelms Africa and Southeast Asia

The Plastic Crisis in the Global South

The Global South, particularly regions in Africa and Southeast Asia, is grappling with a mounting plastic crisis exacerbated by waste exported from Western nations. Despite global efforts to curb plastic pollution, the influx of mismanaged waste is overwhelming local infrastructure and ecosystems.

The Scale of the Problem

Plastic pollution is a global issue, but its impact is disproportionately felt in the Global South. An estimated 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean annually, with a significant portion originating from coastal communities in these regions. The Basel Convention, amended in 2019, aims to regulate the export of plastic waste, yet enforcement remains inconsistent.

Western Waste in the Global South

Developed nations often export their plastic waste to countries in Africa and Southeast Asia under the guise of recycling. However, much of this waste ends up in landfills or is burned, releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water. Cities like Accra, Ghana, and Jakarta, Indonesia, are struggling to manage the sheer volume of imported waste.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The consequences are dire. Marine life is choked by plastic debris, and local communities face health risks from contaminated water and air. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, with increased demand for single-use plastics adding to the waste burden.

Moving Forward

Efforts to address the crisis include stricter enforcement of the Basel Convention and local initiatives to improve waste management. However, systemic change is needed to shift the burden away from the Global South and hold waste-exporting nations accountable.