Plastics production is accelerating globally, despite mounting evidence of widespread environmental and human health harms. As fossil fuel demand declines in the energy sector, the petrochemical industry is redirecting investment into plastics, with forecasts suggesting up to 20% of fossil fuels could be used for plastic production by 2050. Micro- and nanoplastics, along with plastic-associated chemicals, are now pervasive across ecosystems and human bodies-yet the scientific response remains constrained by industry influence, inconsistent testing methods, regrettable substitution, and fragmented regulation.
Critically, the burden of plastic pollution is not equally shared. Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and other low-emission regions face disproportionate health and environmental impacts, despite contributing minimally to global plastic production. This highlights a deep global inequity: those least responsible bear the heaviest downstream consequences, including contaminated marine systems, disrupted food chains, and chronic health risks.
Many plastic chemicals enter use without adequate safety assessment. Regulatory action is often reactive, following population-level harm. Chemical opacity further undermines informed consent and risk mitigation. Compounds such as BPA and phthalates exemplify the consequences of delayed recognition.
This is not merely a pollution problem-it is an ethical challenge for science and public health. A precautionary approach, grounded in public health ethics and global justice, is urgently needed. Scientific integrity must extend beyond compliance to proactive stewardship: championing transparency, prioritizing human and planetary health, and ensuring that evidence meaningfully informs policy for a more equitable, sustainable future.