It has been estimated that we use 300 million tons of plastic per year and often it an item that is used just once. Seabirds are at risk as a result of the discarded items and rivers, and oceans are slowly clogging up according to the World Economic Forum, who don’t see there being improvements in the near future.
Dr. Debora Iglesias-Rodriquez of Southampton University is concerned and tells Truthout that marine pollution is a significant problem as marine wildlife are eating items. The North Atlantic already has a large are full of rubbish and the ecological system is being altered.
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One review has shown 10% of fish could have consumed plastic and plastic bags are becoming more popular so there should be an increase rather than decrease as just 5% of plastic is recycled and producing is increasing.
Dr. Wallace J. Nichols of California Academy of Sciences added that virtually all turtles have issues with plastic. They are also suffering as a result of global warming as their eggs are almost frying on the beach. Sea pollution overall is growing far too quickly.
Nicholas sees the future situation as Ocean 3, and it will either be impossible to function or the recipient of some major changes. Packaging would have to change, and this will need a lot of political will. The next 50 years are going to be vital as it is at this timescale that will determine the success of the projects.
According to a January report published by the World Economic Forum The earth’s oceans will have more plastic than fish by 2050.