We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Review: Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate — R0/PR2
Summary
This review analyzes 39 peer-reviewed studies on public perceptions of plastic pollution, finding that debate is largely focused on marine environments and single-use plastics. The review notes gaps in public awareness of microplastics' health effects and calls for better communication to inform policy negotiations.
Plastic pollution is central to policy and public debates about anthropogenic damage to the environment. Negotiations for an international binding treaty to end plastic pollution provide a timely opportunity to analyse peer-reviewed papers concerning public perceptions of plastic pollution (n = 39). These focused on the impact of plastic pollution solely on the marine ecosystem, single-use plastics, barriers to recycling and risks of microplastics. Research studies explored public perceptions of 'plastic pollution', 'marine plastic litter', 'marine plastic pollution' and 'plastic marine debris'. These terms are not interchangeable and frame the problem. Awareness links to media representations and personal 'choices' are limited by lack of options (extended producer responsibility schemes). There was limited discussion of reducing the aggregate global volume of plastics produced. Future research could explore perceptions of risk (toxic chemicals, bioplastics) plastics and climate change or plastics and global biodiversity loss (beyond turtles). The social meaning of plastics, the heterogeneity of audiences and the role of media in framing risks can help inform plastics-related policy. Social Sciences and media scholars are well placed to unpack the socio-cultural context in which plastics are intertwined in people's everyday lives and how social meanings of plastics may change in response to global crises.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Author comment: Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate — R0/PR1
This author comment accompanies a review analyzing global public perceptions of plastic pollution, based on 39 peer-reviewed studies. The analysis finds that public discourse has focused heavily on marine and single-use plastic issues, which may limit the scope of international policy solutions.
Review: Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate — R0/PR3
A review of 39 studies on public perceptions of plastic pollution found that research has clustered around marine ecosystems, single-use plastics, and recycling barriers, while underexploring systemic production reduction and connections to climate change or broader biodiversity loss. The paper emphasizes that terminology choices — 'marine debris' vs. 'microplastics' vs. 'plastic pollution' — frame public understanding differently and should inform policy communications.
Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate
This review analyzed 39 peer-reviewed studies on public perceptions of plastic pollution, finding that research discourse is narrowly focused on marine impacts and single-use plastics while largely ignoring broader plastic pollution contexts relevant to international treaty negotiations.
Review: Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate — R1/PR7
A peer review of a study analyzing public perceptions of plastic pollution found that research mainly focuses on marine impacts and single-use plastics. The reviewer suggests future work should examine broader risk perceptions including toxic chemicals in plastics and links to climate change.
Review: Global perceptions of plastic pollution: The contours and limits of debate — R1/PR8
This peer review evaluates a study on public perceptions of plastic pollution in the context of global treaty negotiations. Scientific understanding of public attitudes helps policymakers craft more effective communication and regulatory approaches for reducing the plastic waste that becomes microplastics.