NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

World Environment Day 2025 arrives at a critical juncture in humanity’s environmental journey, with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” resonating louder than ever. Plastic pollution is a planetary crisis- over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with more than 10 million tonnes leaking into our oceans annually. Microplastics now contaminate our food, water, and even the air we breathe. The world is united in its resolve to end this scourge. Yet, a less-explored narrative is emerging: the profound and often surprising intersection between plastic pollution and the renewable energy sector.