Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution

TLDR

Plastic pollution is a global problem, and it is unclear which strategies will most effectively mitigate its harm. The authors discuss possible solutions and their impacts. Both groups found that substantial reductions in plastic‑waste generation are achievable in the coming decades with immediate, concerted, and vigorous action, yet even the best‑case scenario leaves huge quantities of plastic accumulating in the environment. Borrelle et al.

Abstract

A mess of plastic It is not clear what strategies will be most effective in mitigating harm from the global problem of plastic pollution. Borrelle et al. and Lau et al. discuss possible solutions and their impacts. Both groups found that substantial reductions in plastic-waste generation can be made in the coming decades with immediate, concerted, and vigorous action, but even in the best case scenario, huge quantities of plastic will still accumulate in the environment. Science , this issue p. 1515 , p. 1455