Quick Dips
Curated topical articles on the Blue Economy

There are even nanoplastics at the North and South Poles - and they’re a bigger problem than we thought

Charlotte Edmond, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

Nanoplastic has for the first time been discovered at both the poles, indicating these tiny particles are widespread.

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LED-Illuminated Gillnets Reduce Bycatch of Sea Turtles, Sharks and Other Marine Life, Study Finds

Cristen Hemingway Jaynes, EcoWatch Plastics & Pollution

Gillnets are one of the most widely used types of fishing gear in the world and are often the culprit in this unwanted bycatch.

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‘Nurdles are everywhere’: how plastic pellets ravaged a Sri Lankan paradise

Zinara Rathnayake, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports

The country’s golden beaches have turned black as debris released from a sunken ship continues to wreak environmental and economic havoc.

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We know plastic pollution is bad – but how exactly is it linked to climate change?

Charlotte Edmond, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

From the way plastics effect marine environments to how they are disposed of, here’s how they are adding to the climate change problem.

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Chemical pollution has passed safe limit for humanity, say scientists

Damian Carrington, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Study calls for cap on production and release as pollution threatens global ecosystems upon which life depends.

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How scientific research can enable stricter plastic pollution laws

Hannah Evans & David Obura, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

A circular economy project in Africa is working with scientists to research the effects of plastic on the ocean.

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It's time to shift to net-zero emissions plastics

Markus Steilemann, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

Plastics play a big role in daily life - and in the technology that will power the green transition.

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Meet Mr Trash Wheel – and the other new devices that eat river plastic

Russell Thomas, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

From ‘bubble barriers’ to floating drones, a host of new projects aim to stop plastic pollution before it ever reaches the ocean.

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The war on plastics, 2022: A change of climate

Joel Makower, GreenBiz Plastics & Pollution

It wasn’t long ago that the world seemed wrapped up in plastic: outrage over plastic drinking straws and bags, mostly, but also the entire plastics and packaging industries.

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Companies race to stem flood of microplastic fibres into the oceans

Damian Carrington, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

New products range from washing machine filters and balls to fabrics made from kelp and orange peel.

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The Quest for a Disposable Mask That Won't Pollute

K Oanh Ha, Bloomberg Plastics & Pollution

Companies experiment with ways to make the plastic used in most face coverings biodegradable, so it won't threaten marine life. 

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Insight Hour: Plastics and circularity—closing the plastic loop

World Ocean Initiative, The Economist Group Plastics & Pollution

Can new technologies accelerate plastic recycling in Europe?

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Heading Towards a Global Plastic Treaty?

Planet Tracker Plastics & Pollution

A revival of calls for a global plastic treaty is encouraging. 

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Coastal species are forming colonies on plastic trash in the ocean, study finds

Adrienne Matei, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Termed “neopelagic communities”, these colonies are thriving in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and going where the current flows.

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Plastic is Even Worse for the Environment than We Thought

ETH Zurich, Futurity Plastics & Pollution

Researchers have revealed that the impact of plastics on climate and health is bigger than originally thought due to the increased use of coal for process heat, electricity, and as a raw material in production.

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Recycled regatta: world heritage site highlights plastic pollution crisis

Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

When environmentalists on a Seychelles atoll decided to race boats made from ocean litter, they had 500 tonnes to pick from.

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Nurdles: the worst toxic waste you’ve probably never heard of

Karen McVeigh, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Billions of these tiny plastic pellets are floating in the ocean, causing as much damage as oil spills, yet they are still not classified as hazardous.

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Reframing tourism to address plastic pollution

UNEP Plastics & Pollution Tourism

At the intersection of greater environmental awareness, stricter public health measures and the return of the tourism industry lies an enduring threat: plastic pollution.

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How plastic and chemical pollution contribute to the climate crisis

Clean Seas Team, Marine Conservation Society Plastics & Pollution

It's a common misconception that marine pollution and the climate crisis are completely separate issues – but they're actually fundamentally linked.

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6 reasons to blame plastic pollution for climate change

Nina Tsydenova & Pawan Patel, World Bank Blogs Plastics & Pollution

As world leaders, scientists, investors and activists gather in Glasgow for COP26, there are six facts linking the plastic lifecycle to climate change that must be taken into account.

Read more → (4 minute read)