Scientists say there is enough evidence to agree with global action on microplastics

Science has provided more than enough evidence to inform a coordinated and global approach to tackling the continuing spread of plastic pollution, according to a new report.

Journal writing ScienceAn international group of experts says the need for global action to deal with all types of plastic and microplastic waste has never been more pressing.

It is clear that existing national laws alone are not enough to solve the challenge, they say, and the United Nations Convention on Plastic Pollution—which will enter its fifth round of negotiations in November 2024—offers “a tangible opportunity ” for internationalization. action.

However, for such an agreement to be truly successful, it needs to commit to an overall reduction in plastic production as well as measures to reduce the emissions and release of microplastic particles throughout the life cycle of the plastic. . Failure to do so, the researchers added, could bring “great risk of irreversible environmental damage.”

The article was written to mark the 20th anniversary of the first study, which was also published in the journal Sciencecoining the term microplastics to describe the very small particles of plastic in our oceans.

Both studies were led by Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, and co-ordinator of the Scientists Coalition for a Successful Plastics Agreement.

Written by experts in marine biology, sustainability, environmental psychology, global plastic policy, and risk assessment, from: Plymouth University, Bangor University (UK); EA—Global Action (Switzerland); University of Vienna (Austria); University of Wollongong (Australia); and Wageningen University (Netherlands).

Professor Thompson said, “After 20 years of research there is clear evidence of the harmful effects of microplastic pollution around the world. That includes physical harm to wildlife, harm to society and cultures, and the growing evidence of harm to humans.Added to this is the fact that microplastics are persistent waste, and once in the environment it is impossible to remove them.

“There are still many unknowns, but in the 20 years since our first study, the amount of plastic in our oceans has increased by almost 50%, still underline the dire need for action.”

Since the first study was published in 2004, an estimated 7,000 research studies have been conducted on microplastics, providing a wealth of evidence on their sources and impacts as well as potential solutions.

Microplastics have been found in all corners of the planet, in more than 1,300 aquatic and terrestrial species, in the food and drinks we consume, and in many tissues and organs of the human body.

With the production of microplastics in the environment estimated at up to 40 megatons per year, a figure that may double by 2040, the estimates indicate the possibility of a major environmental hazard in the next century.

Professor Sabine Pahl, Professor of Urban and Environmental Psychology at the University of Vienna and Honorary Professor at the University of Plymouth, added, “Plastic pollution is entirely caused by human actions. That is why we need research on attitudes the risks and benefits of plastic as well as other drivers of support and policy change, integrating a social science perspective.