Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6510) ◽  
pp. 1515-1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie B. Borrelle ◽  
Jeremy Ringma ◽  
Kara Lavender Law ◽  
Cole C. Monnahan ◽  
Laurent Lebreton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystem ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Environmental Recovery ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

Plastic pollution is a planetary threat, affecting nearly every marine and freshwater ecosystem globally. In response, multilevel mitigation strategies are being adopted but with a lack of quantitative assessment of how such strategies reduce plastic emissions. We assessed the impact of three broad management strategies, plastic waste reduction, waste management, and environmental recovery, at different levels of effort to estimate plastic emissions to 2030 for 173 countries. We estimate that 19 to 23 million metric tons, or 11%, of plastic waste generated globally in 2016 entered aquatic ecosystems. Considering the ambitious commitments currently set by governments, annual emissions may reach up to 53 million metric tons per year by 2030. To reduce emissions to a level well below this prediction, extraordinary efforts to transform the global plastics economy are needed.

scholarly journals Beverage bottle capacity, packaging efficiency, and the potential for plastic waste reduction

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Becerril-Arreola ◽  
R. E. Bucklin
Keyword(s):  
Product Category ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Pet Waste ◽  
Pet Bottles ◽  
Enormous Amount ◽  
Packaging Efficiency ◽  
The U.S

AbstractPlastic pollution is a pressing issue because authorities struggle to contain and process the enormous amount of waste produced. We study the potential for reducing plastic waste by examining the efficiency with which different polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles deliver beverages. We find that 80% of the variation in bottle weight is explained by bottle capacity, 16% by product category, and 1% by brand. Bottle weight is quadratic and convex function of capacity, which implies that medium capacity bottles are most efficient at delivering consumable product. Local data on PET bottle sales and municipal waste recovery validate the findings. A 20% shift in consumption from smaller to larger bottles could reduce the production of PET waste by over 10,000 t annually in the U.S. alone.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Correlation and Regional Distribution of Plastic Waste Pollution

2021 ◽  
Vol 241 ◽  
pp. 03004
Author(s):  
Jia Xu ◽  
Zixuan Wu ◽  
Yazhi Zhao ◽  
Jingsan Yang
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Distribution Method ◽  
Emission Rights ◽  
Express Industry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Carbon

Plastic has brought great convenience to people’s lives, but it has also brought severe environmental pollution to the world. It is almost impossible to break down entirely in nature, and plastic waste, whether in rivers, oceans, or on land, can persist in the environment for centuries. The problem of plastic waste disposal has caused worldwide concern. It is necessary to reduce the production of plastic products through global cooperation effectively. However, achieving this goal will also involve some unexpected issues, such as controlling the adverse economic impact of plastics, and the rationality and fairness of the distribution of responsibilities between different countries. This paper collects massive data and takes China as an example to study the impact of plastic output reduction on China’s Express industry and the plastics manufacturing industry using multivariate regression. This paper summarizes the positive and negative effects of plastic waste reduction. Given the distribution and management of national and regional plastic waste responsibilities, the global carbon emission rights distribution method is used for reference. The comprehensive index allocation method is used to deal with the problem of both fairness and efficiency relatively. What is more, based on the conclusions, this paper also provides suggestions for a global joint response to plastic waste.

scholarly journals The Spatial Perspective in Post-Earthquake Evaluation to Improve Mitigation Strategies: Geostatistical Analysis of the Seismic Damage Applied to a Real Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (15) ◽  
pp. 3182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador García-Ayllón ◽  
Antonio Tomás ◽  
José Luis Ródenas
Keyword(s):  
Earthquake Engineering ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
New Framework

The analysis of damage in cities after an earthquake to implement mitigation strategies of seismic risk is a complex job that is usually full of uncertainties. Numerous variables affect the final result of the observable damage in a set of buildings in an urban area. The use of methodologies capable of providing global explanations beyond the traditional unidisciplinary approach of disciplines, such as structural analysis, earthquake engineering, geotechnics, or seismology, can be very useful for improving the behavior of our cities against earthquakes. This article presents geostatistical post-earthquake analysis, an innovative approach in this field of research based on GIS spatial statistical tools to evaluate the importance of the different variables after an earthquake that may have caused damage in a city. This new framework will be applied to analyze, from a geostatistical perspective, the damage levels observed in the city of Lorca (Spain) after the earthquake of 2011; a case study where various studies have proposed different measures to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes as a consequence of focusing on different phenomena as the main variable for the damage produced. A bivariate GIS assessment will allow spatial correlation of the problems detected from a statistical point of view (inadequate design of buildings, age of the real estate stock, inefficient urban planning configurations, geological risk, etc.) and the different levels of damage that the technicians who participated in the post-earthquake phase evaluated in the city. The results obtained will allow one to hierarchize the importance of the different detected phenomena to prepare the city better against future earthquakes and to elaborate an improved seismic mitigation strategy.

Traffic impact assessment and mitigation strategies for disruptions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Yohan Chang
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Models ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Work Zone ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Work Zones ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Traffic Impact ◽  
The Impact

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This dissertation research focuses on modeling traffic conditions affected by disruptive events such as work zones, incidents, and hurricanes. Using a combination of field data and simulation experiments, this research tried to address the relationship between disruptive events and their impact on traffic conditions and driver behavior. The first half of the dissertation assesses the impact of work zones. First, a data-driven assessment of the traffic impact of work zones using different data sources was conducted. A tool was developed for practitioners to estimate the delay and travel times of planned work zones. Second, traffic flow and speed prediction models were developed for work zones in order to assist with the better scheduling of work activity. Machine learning approaches were used to develop the prediction models. In addition to work zone effects, the effects of another special event, baseball gameday conditions, were also studied and traffic prediction models were developed. Third, using naturalistic driving study data, classification algorithms categorized work zone events into crashes, nearcrashes, and baseline conditions. In the second half of the dissertation, the focus shifts to the effect of emergency on evacuation. Two chapters in this section present the results of different traffic management strategies -- 1) contraflow crossover and ramp closure optimization and 2) reservation-based intersection control in connected and autonomous vehicle environment.

7. Examining the Impacts of Zebra Mussels as an Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Region and the Role of Stakeholders in Effective Mitigation Strategies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Liang
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Light Transmittance ◽  
Great Lakes Region ◽  
The Impact

Zebra mussels were first introduced into the Great Lakes region in 1988, via the ballast water of international ships traveling through the St. Lawrence River. Since then, the aggressive colonization of zebra mussels have had devastating effects on the native aquatic biodiversity in the Great Lakes region. The continued proliferation of zebra mussels have led to increased filtering, high light transmittance through water and growth of benthic (lowest level of a body of water) plants. Due to the intensive filtration of zebra mussels, rapid bioaccumulation of botulinum toxin in their systems have caused high levels of mortality for waterfowl predators. As zebra mussels continue to dominate in predator-prey interactions and interspecies competition, a shift in the ecosystem equilibrium is occurring on varying trophic levels. These changes have not gone unnoticed. Zebra mussels have cost Canadian industries, businesses and communities over $5 billion in a single decade in clogged pipes and turbine damages. The associated economic repercussions from infrastructural damages and native species declines necessitate engagement from a multitude of stakeholders. Public awareness is absolutely vital in minimizing the impact of zebra mussels and preventing their distribution across freshwater in North America. In this presentation, I will discuss the ecological, economic and societal impacts of zebra mussels since their introduction to the Great Lakes region. In addition, I will examine a multitude of management strategies and recommendations to government, private sector and public stakeholders to reduce future impacts of mussels in the Great Lakes region.

scholarly journals The Importance of Regulating Plastic Marine Pollution for the Protection of Indonesian Marine Environment

Yuridika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
Ulya Yasmine Prisandani ◽  
Adzhana Luthfia Amanda
Keyword(s):  
Marine Environment ◽  
Marine Pollution ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
International Conventions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Proper Analysis

The ocean and its marine resources play an important role in providing sources of livelihood to the Indonesian people. Indonesia is currently dealing with a major plastic waste problem, and this, in turn, also impacts the marine environment since the plastic waste ends up in the ocean. The issue of marine pollution is regulated under international conventions such as the MARPOL and UNCLOS, though none is specifically addressing marine plastic waste. Moreover, Indonesia has enacted several regulations to manage marine plastic waste, including Presidential Regulation Number 83 of 2018 on Marine Waste Management, and Indonesian citizens have taken an active role in reducing plastic waste. However, stricter and more specific regulations are needed as guidelines for the long-term strategy in handling marine plastic pollution in Indonesia, and proper analysis on the impact of such regulation towards the stakeholders and affected parties would be needed. 

Plastic waste detection assisted by artifical intelligence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Gnann ◽  
Shungu Garaba ◽  
Oliver Zielinski
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Polymer Composition ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Artifical Intelligence ◽  
Living Organisms

<p> Plastic pollution has a big impact on living organisms. At the same time, plastics are everywhere in our daily life. For example, plastic is used in packaging, construction of buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and many other fields. In fact, plastic production has been increasing rapidly since the 1950s. However, plastic waste management strategies have not adapted accordingly to these rising amounts, which end up in the blue and green planet. Unfortunately, for developing nations it is even more complicated and strategies are still developing. Here we investigate the possibilities of plastic waste detection in Cambodia focusing on cities, rivers and coastal areas. Very fine geo-spatial resolution Red-Green-Blue (RGB) drone imagery was captured over regions of interest in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. To this date, techniques of detecting plastic litter are based on RGB imagery analyses, generating descriptors such as colour, shape, size and form. However, we believe by adding infrared wavebands additional descriptors, such as polymer composition or type can be retrieved for improved classification of plastic litter. Furthermore, remote sensing technologies will be merged with object-based deep learning methodologies to enhance identification of plastic waste items, thus creating a robust learning system. Due to the size and complexity of this problem, automated detection, tracking, characterization and quantification of plastic pollution is a key aspect to improve waste management strategies. We therefore explore multispectral band combinations relevant to the detection of plastic waste and operational approaches in imagery processing. This work will contribute towards algorithm development for analysis of video datasets enhancing future near real-time detection of plastic litter. Eventually, this scientific evidence-based tool can be utilized by stakeholders, policymakers and citizens.</p>

scholarly journals Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Canadian dairy farms and mitigation options: An updated review

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susantha Jayasundara ◽  
J.A.D. Ranga Niroshan Appuhamy ◽  
Ermias Kebreab ◽  
Claudia Wagner-Riddle
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Dietary Lipids ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Ghg Mitigation ◽  
Slurry Storage ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
The Impact

This review examined methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation strategies for Canadian dairy farms. The primary focus was research conducted in Canada and cold climatic regions with similar dairy systems. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess the impact of a given strategy when sufficient data were available. Results indicated that options to reduce enteric CH4from dairy cows were increasing the dietary starch content and dietary lipid supplementation. Replacing barley or alfalfa silage with corn silage with higher starch content decreased enteric CH4per unit of milk by 6%. Increasing dietary lipids from 3% to 6% of dry matter (DM) reduced enteric CH4yield by 9%. Strategies such as nitrate supplementation and 3-nitrooxypropanol additive indicated potential for reducing enteric CH4by about 30% but require extensive research on toxicology and consumer acceptance. Strategies to reduce emissions from manure are anaerobic digestion, composting, solid–liquid separation, covering slurry storage and flaring CH4, and reducing methanogen inoculum by complete emptying of slurry storage at spring application. These strategies have potential to reduce emissions from manure by up to 50%. An integrated approach of combining strategies through diet and manure management is necessary for significant GHG mitigation and lowering carbon footprint of milk produced in Canada.

scholarly journals Governance Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in the Marine Environment: A Review

Microplastics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-46
Author(s):  
Amarachi Paschaline Onyena ◽  
Donald Chukwudi Aniche ◽  
Bright Ogechi Ogbolu ◽  
Md. Refat Jahan Rakib ◽  
Jamal Uddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Environment ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Environmental Groups ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Governance Strategies

Threats emerging from microplastic pollution in the marine environment have received much global attention. This review assessed sources, fate, and impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystems and identified gaps. Most studies document the ubiquity of microplastics and associated environmental effects. Effects include impacts to marine ecosystems, risks to biodiversity, and threats to human health. Microplastic leakage into marine ecosystems arises from plastic waste mismanagement and a lack of effective mitigative strategies. This review identified a scarcity of microplastics’ mitigation strategies from different stakeholders. Lack of community involvement in microplastic monitoring or ecosystem conservation exists due to limited existence of citizen science and stakeholder co-management initiatives. Although some management strategies exist for controlling effects of microplastics (often implemented by local and global environmental groups), a standardized management strategy to mitigate microplastics in coastal areas is urgently required. There is a need to review policy interventions aimed at plastic reduction in or near coastal ecosystems and evaluate their effectiveness. There is also a need to identify focal causes of microplastic pollution in the marine environment through further environmental research and governance approaches. These would extend to creating more effective policies as well as harmonized and extended efforts of educational campaigns and incentives for plastic waste reduction while mandating stringent penalties to help reduce microplastic leakage into the marine environment.

scholarly journals The Impact of Psychological Factors on Consumer Green Purchase Behaviour: A Study of #NoStrawMovement Campaign in KFC Greater Jakarta

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurensius Edwin Jauwrias ◽  
◽  
Esa Theodore Mbouw
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Purchasing Behavior ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Green Purchasing ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Plastic pollution is one of the most concerning issues presently and Indonesia is the second largest plastic waste producer in the world. A substantial part of the plastic waste comes from non-degradable plastic straws. This research intends to seek whether consumers’ psychological factors have an impact on their green purchasing behavior with a case study of #NoStrawMovement in KFC Indonesia. The research has been carried out on 153 consumers. The outcome signified that all indicators of psychological factors do have an impact on consumers’ green purchasing behavior. Perceived knowledge about sustainability issues, spirituality, drive for environmental responsibility and perceived marketplace influence are the decisive factors affecting consumers’ green purchase behavior. It is revealed that psychological factors impact consumers’ green purchase behavior by 51.6%. The result of the research will be worthwhile for KFC Indonesia to further revamp the effectiveness of the movement and for the government to establish a policy that supports green purchasing behavior. Advocating green purchasing behavior within society could aid in alleviating the damage that has been previously caused to the environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document