Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution Intensify

The K-pop industry's increasing plastic waste has drawn criticism from fans and environmental advocates, with plastic use reported to be 14 times higher in 2022 than in 2017. Fans are calling for changes to marketing strategies that encourage excessive purchases of merchandise, which often serves as single-use collectors' items. Concurrently, UN experts are pushing for a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution that holds producers accountable, emphasizing the need for human rights considerations in the negotiation process. As plastic production continues to rise, concerns are mounting over its detrimental impact on health and the environment, with projections indicating that plastic will account for nearly half of oil demand growth by 2050. Initiatives are being launched to educate youth on plastic waste management and promote clean energy solutions, indicating a drive towards sustainability amidst growing concerns over plastic pollution. Artificial intelligence is also being explored as a tool to tackle the complexities of plastic waste and enhance recycling efforts.