A new AI tool made by researchers at U.C. Santa Barbara is helping leaders decide how to reduce plastic waste, especially in the food industry.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Over 150 countries are working on a global treaty to fight plastic pollution. Final details are expected later this year.
- The new Global Plastics AI Policy Tool looks at 11 different ways to reduce plastic waste by 2050.
- It found that policies like using more recycled plastic and limiting new plastic production could make a big difference.
- Expert Nivedita Biyani says we need to update our waste systems, which still use outdated methods from the 1950s.
Why this is important:
Plastic waste is a serious global problem that harms the environment and human health. Smart policies—guided by tools like this AI system—can help reduce waste, especially from food packaging.
Quote to remember:
“Plastic pollution is a global crisis. We can’t fix it with small, separate national plans.”
— Eirik Lindebjerg, WWF International’s global plastics policy lead.
Source: ehn
