Plastic flows into the ocean expected to triple by 2040: Research

New Delhi, July 25 Without immediate and sustained action, the annual flow of plastic into the ocean could nearly triple by 2040, new analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ has found. The study also identified solutions that could cut this volume by more than 80 per cent using available resources, if key decision-makers are willing to make system-wide changes.

The findings from the scientific analysis are captured in a report, 'Breaking the Plastic Wave: A Comprehensive Assessment of Pathways Towards Stopping Ocean Plastic Pollution'. The research found that if no action is taken to address the projected growth in plastic production and consumption, the amount of plastic entering the ocean each year would grow from 11 million metric tons to 29 million metric tons over the next 20 years, equivalent to nearly 50 kilograms

( With inputs from IANS )