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The role of development co-operation in tackling plastic pollution
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This OECD report examines the role of international development aid in addressing plastic pollution in developing countries, finding that current funding is insufficient and lacks coordination. Developing countries face acute microplastic problems because of rapid plastics consumption growth and limited waste management infrastructure.
Plastics leakage has become a pressing issue for many developing countries. While a number of development co-operation initiatives with a focus on tackling plastic pollution have recently emerged, there is currently no comprehensive assessment of the volume and scope of international development co-operation in this area. This report contributes to fill this gap by bringing together OECD’s unique statistical sources and expertise. First, this paper assesses the scale of the plastic pollution problem in developing countries by providing evidence on developing countries’ plastic use, waste, and leakage volumes, and assessing the specificity of plastics-related impacts in developing countries. Secondly, it quantifies development co-operation support in this area through a refined methodology developed as part of the OECD Sustainable Ocean for All Initiative. Finally, the paper presents innovative development co-operation approaches that are helping developing countries to scale up financing and impact of waste management projects.
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Official development finance in solid waste management reveals insufficient resources for tackling plastic pollution: A global analysis of two decades of data
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Researchers analyzed two decades of international development funding for solid waste management, finding that financial resources remain far below what is needed to address plastic pollution globally. The study found that while funding has increased, it still falls short of targets set by international environmental agreements. Evidence indicates that more strategic investment in waste management infrastructure is essential for tackling the plastic pollution crisis.
Should Canada’s foreign aid policy help address the environmental impact of single-use plastics?
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This paper examined whether Canada's foreign aid policy should be expanded to address the environmental impact of single-use plastics in developing countries. The analysis considers Canada's international obligations and the case for directing development assistance toward plastic waste management infrastructure in nations most affected by plastic pollution.
Plastics and Microplastics: The OECD’s Approach
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The OECD's 2018 Global Forum on Plastics advanced a circular economy framework for redesigning plastics to minimize pollution at the end of their lifecycle. International coordination through bodies like the OECD is essential for aligning national policies and accelerating the shift away from single-use and non-recyclable plastic designs.
Analysis of Marine Plastic Pollution and Environmental Problems
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This review examines the sources, environmental and socioeconomic effects, and policy responses to marine plastic pollution, finding that while scientific knowledge is substantial, policy and regulatory initiatives have so far been inadequate and inconsistent across countries. The paper calls for stronger international coordination and more effective governance tools to meaningfully reduce plastic inputs to the ocean.
Can a global fund help solve the global marine plastic debris problem?
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This policy analysis proposes a global fund — financed by plastics producers and retailers — to help developing nations improve waste management infrastructure and reduce plastic entering the ocean. The author argues that because oceans are a global common, responsibility for addressing plastic pollution must be shared internationally.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.