Surging plastic pollution poses environmental crisis

City generates over 14k tons of solid waste daily, of which only 50% reaches landfill sites

KARACHI:

World Environment Day is observed globally on June 5, with this year's theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution," drawing attention to the growing crisis of plastic waste. Environmental experts have warned that without immediate intervention, the consequences of unchecked pollution could be catastrophic for both human health and the ecosystem.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Amir Alamgir, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Karachi, said that plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental challenges in recent decades. "Plastic products are inexpensive and widely available, which encourages excessive use without regard for their harmful effects," he added.

Dr Alamgir stressed the health hazards posed by plastic use, particularly during the summer. "Storing drinking water in plastic bottles and refrigerating them can release microplastics that enter the human body," he said. "These microscopic particles can severely damage the respiratory and digestive systems, blood vessels, and other vital organs. Prolonged exposure may even lead to fatal diseases such as cancer."

He also warned against the widespread practice of waste burning, particularly plastic waste, which releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. "These gases are absorbed into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting human health in ways that are still being understood - but we know they pose grave risks," he said.

Karachi, one of the most densely populated cities in the country, is at the centre of Pakistan's environmental crisis. The city generates an estimated 14,712 tons of solid waste daily, of which only 50 per cent is transported to landfill sites. The remainder is discarded in open spaces, water bodies, and streets, polluting both air and water sources.

According to Dr Alamgir, 60 per cent of Karachi's solid waste is composed of plastic, much of which ends up in the Arabian Sea, endangering marine life. "If the current trend continues, Karachi could face irreversible ecological damage within the next 15 years," he warned.