Suggestions for a Systematic Regulatory Approach to Ocean Plastics

Abstract

The research investigates the problems and maps the solutions to the serious threat that plastics pose to the oceans, food safety, and human health, with more than eight million tons of plastic debris dumped in the sea every year. The aim of this study is to explore how to better improve the regulatory process of ocean plastics by integrating scientific results, regulatory strategies and action plans so as to limit the impact of plastics at sea. Adopting a problem-solving approach and identifying four areas of intervention enable the establishment of a regulatory framework from a multi-actor, multi-issue, and multi-level perspective. The research methodology consists of a two-pronged approach: 1. An analysis of the state-of-the-art definition of plastics, micro-, and nanoplastics (respectively, MPs and NPs), and 2. The identification and discussion of loopholes in the current regulation, suggesting key actions to be taken at a global, regional and national level. In particular, the study proposes a systemic integration of scientific and regulatory advancements towards the construction of an interconnected multi-tiered (MT) plastic governance framework. The milestones reached by the project SECURE at UiT - The Arctic University of Norway provide evidence of the strength of the theory of integration and rights-based approaches. The suggested model holds substantial significance for the fields of environmental protection, food security, food safety, and human health. This proposed MT plastic governance framework allows for the holistic and effective organization of complex information and scenarios concerning plastics regulation. Containing a clear definition of plastics, grounded on the precautionary principle, the MT plastic framework should provide detailed mitigation measures, with a clear indication of rights and duties, and in coordination with an effective reparatory justice system.

The New Horizons of Law and Science through the Lens of 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda: Some Emerging Issues

“…Again, the relationship between ocean health and global health was scrutinized through the lens of the systems thinking approach: in this case, the research group agreed that only through ad hoc regulatory solutions, integrated and systematized within a multilevel environmental governance framework, is it possible to find effective responses to the emergency caused by anthropogenic environmental threats. 90 In conclusion, solutions such as the one sought in the SECURE project would most likely lead to consolidating the sustainable development of marine and land agroecological practices. The research shows that the model…”

Utilizing Recycled Expanded Polystyrene Plastics to Stabilize Metal–Organic Frameworks for Heterogeneous Catalysis

“…The rapid growth of modern industry has led to a surge in polystyrene plastic packaging, yet inadequate management practices have resulted in severe global environmental repercussions [1][2][3][4][5]. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, single-use plastics and polystyrene foam are consistently among the top ten contributors to marine pollution, with over eight million tons of plastic entering the oceans annually [6][7][8].…”

Challenging the Status Quo to Shape Food Systems Transformation from a Nutritional and Food Security Perspective

“…Therefore, achieving the main social, economic, environmental, cultural, and security goals [ 1 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Food production must also be alert to the waste produced in the food chain related to environmental pollution and food waste that could be used to feed food-insecure people [ 10 , 15 , 17 ]. In order to support sustainable and healthy diets and food security, it is also essential to search for alternatives to stimulate local production and regional food consumption.…”

“…In order to support sustainable and healthy diets and food security, it is also essential to search for alternatives to stimulate local production and regional food consumption. Other priorities are reducing animal suffering and meat consumption, food production in sufficient quantity and quality with the least possible waste production, and understanding the main aspects of food, nutrition, society, and the environment [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”