The pollution of the world's oceans by plastic waste is increasing at such a rate that it could have tripled in 2040. The quantity of this waste in the aquatic environment should indeed reach 30 million tonnes in twenty years, forecasts a study published this Thursday in the journal Science , spotted by France Bleu. In 2016, it amounted to 11 million tonnes.
The work of specialists also warns of their serious consequences on the ecosystem. The situation of marine fauna already affected by the phenomenon, which would worsen even more if no measures were taken to curb the increase in this pollution.
78% of the problem solved before 2040?
Waste also has an impact on the health and survival of other aquatic species. They expose them to chemicals or degrade their habitat.
"Our analysis shows that immediate and coordinated action leading to pre- and post-consumer solutions could reverse the current trend in environmental plastic pollution," the researchers write, however. There is no quick fix, but 78% of the plastic pollution problem can be solved by 2040 using knowledge and technologies already available ”.
Specialists are thus highlighting models that are economical in raw materials and with low emission of polluting substances, such as recyclable substitute materials, the reuse of containers, effective government policies or even better waste treatment methods.
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