The text titled ‘From Pollution to Solution: a global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution’, indicated that in 2015, greenhouse emissions from plastics were 1.7 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, by 2050, they´re projected to increase about 6.5 gigatons.

Experts noted that plastics are the largest, most damaging and most persistent fraction of marine litter, accounting for 85% of all marine litter.

On the other hand, this assessment provides the strongest scientific argument to date for the emergency to act, and for collective action to protect and restore our oceans, from source to sea.

It also provides a comprehensive update on current research regarding direct impacts on marine life, risks to human health, as well as social and economic costs.

Addressing solutions to the problem, the authors pour cold water on the chances of recycling our way out of the plastic pollution crisis.

To reduce waste, they suggest accelerating the transition to renewables, eliminating subsidies, and adopting circular approaches.

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