Prevention and Control of Plastic Waste Pollution in the Polar Region: A Review

Abstract

The effect and harm done to the marine environment by plastic pollution can never be overemphasized. This research reviews and examined various policies, laws, and regulations that have been put in place to mitigate and control the devastating effects of plastic waste pollution, particular reference was made to the polar region and likely environ. Scientific researches, Journal papers, and various publications on plastic waste pollution in the polar region, also known or interchangeably referred to as the Arctic or Antarctica are also reviewed. Findings show that the threat of plastic waste pollution in the Polar region if not quickly attended to could result in devastating climate and environmental problems. Efforts from intergovernmental and international organizations on the subject matter were also investigated, e.g. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Arctic Council Organization (ACO), Ocean Conservancy (OC), the Arctic Initiative (AI) and the Polar Institute (PI). Various other Policies, Interventions, and Conventions were also studied and recommendations made in accordance with the conclusions reached. Recommendations made from this review include: promoting awareness and understanding of the plastic pollution issue through targeted communication and education efforts to increase community engagement and solutions co-creation; convene industry to educate about economic and environmental threats from plastic pollution and to generate reasonable and realistic practices for plastic pollution mitigation; work with industry to develop and promote guidelines that reduce plastic waste and address appropriate disposal, recycling and reuse of plastic materials.