- With plastic debris widely distributed on shorelines, on the sea surface and sea bed, some 700 species are known to encounter marine litter, with many coming to harm.
- Plastic has many societal benefits, can these benefits be realised without having a negative impact on the environment?
- The solution, in part, lies in reducing usage and recycling end-of-life plastics.
During this talk, on an issue that is impacting everyone around the world, Professor Thompson will set out the argument that realising the benefits of plastic, without having a detrimental impact on the environment, requires systemic changes in the way we produce use and dispose of plastic.
Professor Thompson will highlight that, underpinned by scientific evidence and media attention, the consensus is that current levels of plastic pollution are unacceptable. Accelerating progress towards a more responsible use of plastic now requires focus to shift to the evidence that will help prioritise solutions. However, a lack of clarity round the efficacy of proposed solutions is also a creating a challenge that must be dealt with if the plastics problem is to be truly addressed.
