According to the current situation, the UNEP ( United Nations Environment Programme) established in 1972, said that without urgent action, the estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic currently entering the ocean annually. It will get double by 2030 and could triple by 2040, however; it’s quite threatful for the living beings and environmental sources.
Plastic- An integral part of our use
As we all are aware that plastic has become an integral part of our daily uses of life. If we look around us, we will find that the use of plastic is abundant, from homes to factories, localities to cities, we will get the use of plastic, ensure. From polybags to furniture, kitchen to drawing-room, in short plastic is everywhere.
Plastic- a marine threat and the most detrimental fraction of aquatic litter
The extended use of plastic accounts for at least 85%-90% of the total aquatic waste. As the UNEP report, said and also highlights the harm it causes to aquatic life. Since plastics don’t biodegrade (that decomposes naturally without harming the environment).
Microplastics
plastics break down over time into ever smaller pieces known as microplastics and nanoplastics. Which can have adverse impacts on the aquatic or marine organisms including the mammals, sea, turtles, fishes, sea birds, whales, and other animals. Often drown getting trapped in lost or discarded plastics, including packaging or fishing gear.
A recent study found that sea turtles that ingest just 10-12 pieces of plastic have an increased risk of death. The young ones are especially at the risk.
Furthermore, plastics absorb pollutants that are floating around in the ocean and contain harmful chemicals themselves. The preliminary research says that when animals consume these toxin-infused particles, it could damage their organs, leading to their sterility.
However, the document has been released just days ahead of the start of the crucial UN climate conference, COP26, stressing that plastics are not just an aquatic world issue but have become an overall climate problem as well. The UNEP paper titled from pollution to solution, where a global assessment of aquatic litter and plastic pollution will discuss at the 5th session of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in 2022. In this session, nations will create momentum for management to grow better through green and sustainable improvisations.