Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution.
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| Title: | Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. |
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| Authors: | Lau, Winnie W. Y., Shiran, Yonathan, Bailey, Richard M., Cook, Ed, Stuchtey, Martin R., Koskella, Julia, Velis, Costas A., Godfrey, Linda, Boucher, Julien, Murphy, Margaret B., Thompson, Richard C., Jankowska, Emilia, Castillo, Arturo Castillo, Pilditch, Toby D., Dixon, Ben, Koerselman, Laura, Kosior, Edward, Favoino, Enzo, Gutberlet, Jutta, Baulch, Sarah |
| Source: | Science (pre-March 2025). 9/18/2020, Vol. 369 Issue 6510, p1455-1461. 7p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 4 Graphs. |
| Subjects: | Pollution, Plastics, Solid waste, Microplastics, Ecosystems |
| Abstract: | Plastic pollution is a pervasive and growing problem. To estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce plastic pollution, we modeled stocks and flows of municipal solid waste and four sources of microplastics through the global plastic system for five scenarios between 2016 and 2040. Implementing all feasible interventions reduced plastic pollution by 40% from 2016 rates and 78% relative to “business as usual” in 2040. Even with immediate and concerted action, 710 million metric tons of plastic waste cumulatively entered aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To avoid a massive build-up of plastic in the environment, coordinated global action is urgently needed to reduce plastic consumption; increase rates of reuse, waste collection, and recycling; expand safe disposal systems; and accelerate innovation in the plastic value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Science (pre-March 2025) is the property of American Association for the Advancement of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Plastic pollution is a pervasive and growing problem. To estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce plastic pollution, we modeled stocks and flows of municipal solid waste and four sources of microplastics through the global plastic system for five scenarios between 2016 and 2040. Implementing all feasible interventions reduced plastic pollution by 40% from 2016 rates and 78% relative to “business as usual” in 2040. Even with immediate and concerted action, 710 million metric tons of plastic waste cumulatively entered aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To avoid a massive build-up of plastic in the environment, coordinated global action is urgently needed to reduce plastic consumption; increase rates of reuse, waste collection, and recycling; expand safe disposal systems; and accelerate innovation in the plastic value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00368075 |
| DOI: | 10.1126/science.aba9475 |
