Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Combat Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of India
Keywords:
Plastic Pollution, Artificial Intelligence, Waste Management, Recycling Systems, Sustainability, Environmental PolicyAbstract
Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant global issue. Each year, over 350 million tons of plastic are generated, and existing recycling systems are unable to cope with the entirety of this waste. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surfaced as a revolutionary instrument that can improve detection, monitoring, waste segregation, recycling efficiency, consumer awareness, and policy enforcement (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2021). This research paper explores how AI-driven technologies can bolster international initiatives aimed at addressing plastic pollution, featuring a comprehensive case study of India—one of the largest producers of plastic waste worldwide. Utilizing secondary literature, satellite analytics, case studies, and governmental reports, the paper posits that AI provides a scalable, cost-effective, and innovative approach to developing sustainable waste management systems. It concludes that although AI cannot supplant traditional waste management frameworks, it significantly enhances the global effort to tackle plastic pollution when applied ethically and inclusively.
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