Plastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis and Pathways to Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

In the 21st century, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental crises facing our planet. Plastics have spread across the Earth, reaching oceans, rivers, soils, and even the air we breathe. Their durability, once seen as a strength, has now become a major concern as plastics persist for centuries, threatening biodiversity, human health, and global ecosystems. This article examines the causes and impacts of plastic pollution, reviews international responses, and highlights the role of society, policies, and organizations in tackling this growing crisis. With reference to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it explores strategies to mitigate plastic waste and presents a roadmap for building a plastic-free and sustainable future.