COVID-19 has presented additional challenges in the fight to end ocean-bound plastic pollution. The amount of plastic trash that flows into the oceans every year is expected to nearly triple by 2040 to 600 million metric tons unless companies and governments drastically reduce plastic production, says a latest study.
What is the main reason for the hike in ocean plastic pollution?
Single-use plastic consumption has increased during the pandemic, according to the International Solid Waste Association. Face masks and latex gloves are washing up daily on beaches. Landfills worldwide are piling high with record amount of takeaway food containers and online delivery packaging. The new research, conducted by scientists and industry experts for The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, offers solutions that could cut the projected volume of plastic entering the ocean by more than 80%. The study also shares a strategy with a detailed roadmap to overcome the plastic waste crisis. If the necessary steps are not taken in time, the estimated amount of plastic dumped in the oceans around the world will increase to about 600 million tons of dirt in the ocean by 2040.
No one can escape the bad effects of plastic pollution
According to the report published in the Journal Science, this waste will be equal to the weight of 3 million blue whales. “Plastic pollution is something that affects everyone. It’s not a case of your or mine problem but it’s a problem that belongs to the whole country. It’s everyone’s problem,” said Winnie Lau, senior manager at Pew and co-author of the study. “It’s going to get worse if we don’t do anything,” she added. The strategy laid out in the report includes redirecting hundreds of billions of dollars in plastic production investment into alternative materials, recycling facilities and waste collection expansion in developing countries.
What is ocean plastic pollution?
Sea debris is mainly waste thrown by humans which floats or settles in the sea. 88% of marine debris is plastic — an ingredient that has been accumulating very rapidly since World War II. The plastic present in the seas can weigh up to 100 million metric tons. Discarded plastic bags and other plastic waste that enters the seas are a threat to the wildlife and fisheries industry.
