[M-IS21] Understanding plastic pollution: The reality and countermeasures

[MIS21-02] A numerical target to achieve the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision

*Atsuhiko Isobe¹, Chisa Higuchi¹ (1.Kyushu University, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics)

Keywords:Ocean plastics, numerical target for plastic emission, Osaka Blue Ocean Vision

Numerical modelling was conducted for plastic litter (macroplastics) floating in oceans and drifting onto beaches, and for the floating microplastics via fragmentation, as well as for microplastics drifting onto beaches. By analyzing the results, a probability distribution model was developed to determine the weight of plastic litter and microplastics that leave the world's rivers and reach the world's oceans and coasts. By using this model, the future weight of plastic litter and microplastic litter in the oceans and coasts corresponding to different emission scenarios was predicted. It was estimated that, to achieve the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, a global average reduction of 32% (weight) of the 2019 annual emission would be required by 2035. This 32% reduction target is expected to be achieved through a combination of effective measures, such as limiting the use of single-use plastic waste, reducing disposal volumes, increasing recycling rates or innovations to develop lighter materials.