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The Cause and Consequence of Plastic in the Ocean

From New Roots Institute
May 2023

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) projects that the amount of plastic produced yearly will triple by 2060.

ocean plastics
Image from pxfuel.com

Global Fishing Industry

178 million tons of aquatic animals were processed in 2020. 89 percent, or 157 million tons, were used for human consumption and 20 million tons for non-food uses. Since 1961, the global consumption of aquatic animals has increased on average by 3 percent annually. This rate is nearly double the annual world population growth. Consumption of aquatic animals has increased as supply has become more accessible due to improved equipment, technological advancements, and income growth.

Plastic in the Ocean

460 million tons of plastic waste is produced globally per year. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 11 million metric tons of plastic pollute the ocean each year, accounting for more than 85 percent of marine litter. This mass amount of marine waste comprises more than an estimated 170 trillion individual pieces of plastic.
1.8 trillion pieces of this plastic waste accumulate in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that floats in the open ocean between California and Japan and is estimated to be larger than the size of France.
Where is this plastic coming from, and who is to blame?

Other topics:

  • Sources of Plastic Pollution
  • Harm to Marine Life
  • Harm to the Environment
  • Harm to Human Health
  • Environmental and Health Injustice
  • What is Being Done?
  • What Can Be Done?

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.

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