In a new study published in Environmental Research Letters by researchers from Imperial College London, they found that more ambitious and aggressive targets are needed to effectively combat ocean plastic pollution.
The modeling conducted by the researchers indicates that merely reducing plastic pollution by 5 percent annually would only stabilize the current levels of microplastics in surface oceans.
A more substantial reduction, around 20 percent per year, is required to make a tangible dent in the existing microplastic pollution.
The study also underscores the complexities involved in removing microplastics from ocean surfaces. Microplastics can clump together with organic materials and marine organisms, forming aggregates that can sink into deeper ocean layers.
However, the buoyancy of these plastics prevents them from staying submerged, causing them to resurface over time. This cyclical movement complicates efforts to reduce their presence significantly.
The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) aims to eliminate plastic pollution, including microplastics, by 2040. However, the researchers in the study argue that this goal is insufficient without these more drastic measures. Systemic changes at industrial and commercial levels are crucial. Individual efforts, while important, cannot bear the entire burden of solving such a vast issue.
To achieve a meaningful reduction in ocean plastic pollution, international policies must enforce large-scale reductions in plastic production and waste.
These policies should target industrial and commercial sectors, pushing for sustainable practices and significant lifestyle integrations that go beyond individual choices.
Don’t forget that the .earth web domain and its registrar partners are offering special pricing for one-year registrations of standard .earth web domain names starting at under $10.00 USD – from April 19, 2024 to June 30, 2024 – in honor of Earth Day 2024.
To learn more about the .earth web domain, visit Voices.Earth. In addition, many organizations and individuals are sharing their voices about the benefits of a .earth domain in our Voices.Earth podcast series.
