Thread by @tonyrwalker1

I’m delighted to announce that my provocative piece on the impact of #plasticpollution on the #tropics is the first published article in Journal of Tropical Futures published by @SAGEPublishers

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27…

#plasticfree #plastic #plasticwaste #plastictreaty

Unsustainable #plastic production, use and mismanagement have resulted in increased #plasticpollution in the environment threatening #sustainability, especially in the #tropics.

#sustainabledevelopment #sustainabilitymatters #singleuseplastic

Countries in the #tropics have been disproportionally impacted by #plasticpollution due to imports of #plasticwaste from developed countries, or because tropical Small Island Developing States have become overwhelmed by #singleuseplastics used widely in the tourism sector.

However, #plasticpollution is pervasive and is not just limited to the tropics. Plastic pollution has resulted in widespread environmental, economic and social impacts globally.

Most plastics are derived from #fossilfuels which contribute to #climatechange via #greenhousegas emissions, and #plasticpollution also harms #wildlife threatening #biodiversity, thus placing enormous pressure on earth’s limited resources.

Although downstream strategies to curb plastic pollution exist, they are infective in the face of increased upstream #plastic production. Therefore, the international community has recognized that a more holistic approach is required to reduce #plasticpollution.
#PlasticsTreaty

Current plastic production and waste generation are still outpacing existing plastic reduction regulations.

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27…

This viewpoint shows why unsustainable global plastic production has resulted in increased global #plasticpollution, including in the #tropics, but also highlights how ambitious plastic pollution reduction policies can help transition towards a more #sustainable #plastics future.