The pandemic COVID-19 increased the pollution of the planet, the UN said

A new type of coronavirus pandemic has increased the pollution of the planet with harmful waste. This is stated in the report of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published on July 27. The document notes that quarantine measures in many countries led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 5%, but at the same time, pollution of the environment by waste in the form of used masks, protective gloves and plastic containers from disinfectant liquids increased. It is also reported that social distancing measures have led to an increase in waste in the form of plastic packages used to deliver food to home. The report emphasizes that about 75% of the plastic used in connection with the coronavirus pandemic is likely to become waste that will clog landfills and the world ocean. In this regard, the UN called on all countries to abandon the use of plastic wherever possible or switch to biodegradable and non-toxic materials, such as paper, cardboard, rubber, glass, ceramics, natural fibers.