We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mapping Out Cross-sectoral Collaboration and Multi-level Governance Within Single Use Plastic Policy: An Analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined single-use plastic policy governance in Malta as an EU case study, mapping cross-sectoral collaboration across local, national, and European levels and analyzing how state and non-state actors interact to address the interconnected environmental and health harms of plastic pollution.
Abstract Undeniably, plastic usage is predominant in our daily lives, featuring in an endless list of items such as bottles, disposables, packaging and fabric. At prima facie, plastic disposal causes irreversible damage to the natural environment, especially oceans. However, it also impacts human health and wellbeing, especially since its toxins or microplastics find themselves in the food chain. Since plastic causes a myriad of negative effects on the natural environment and human health, the urgency to ban it has been addressed by international organizations and the European Union (EU). Being the smallest member state within the EU, Malta presents an insightful case study of how different levels of governance and a plethora of state and non-state actors engage in a game-like interaction. To this effect, this chapter sheds light on the implications of plastic pollution vis-á-vis sustainability and wellbeing, addressed through multi-level governance. The research core revolves around an investigation on the institutional intricacies in addressing the wicked problem of single-use plastic by mapping out the different layers of policy-making mechanisms that are involved, ranging from local to European and international governance, and from governmental to civil society centric strategies. A positivist ontology is activated to underpin the exploratory nature of this study. Through the application of content analysis of selected documentation, the extent of coordination and synergies among the different policy actors across a multi-layered governance platform is put under scrutiny. Quantitative findings are utilized to validate or contradict the original set of hypotheses and to propose a number of policy and governance recommendations that are useful to researchers and practitioners in the fields of public policy, politics, environmental science, public health and wellbeing, as well as insurance and risk management.
More Papers Like This
Striving Toward a Circular Economy: A Case Study of a Zero Single-Use Plastic Policy in Pearl of the Orient (Penang)
AI summary Read the abstract
This case study examined how Penang, Malaysia is implementing national single-use plastic reduction policy toward a circular economy goal. Researchers interviewed 12 government, industry, and NGO stakeholders and found significant challenges in coordinating across levels of government and sectors. The study provides insights into the political and institutional barriers to transitioning away from single-use plastics.
Tackling Single-Use-Plastic in small touristic islands to reduce marine litter: co-identifying the best mix of policy interventions
AI summary Read the abstract
Not relevant to microplastics — this study uses participatory stakeholder methods to design policy strategies for reducing single-use plastic waste in the tourism sector on small Greek islands, focused on upstream prevention rather than microplastic science.
An integrated approach to managing single-use-plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study presents an integrated policy and management approach to reducing single-use plastic consumption, examining how poor regulation and overreliance on single-use plastics have strained landfills, harmed food chains, and impacted tourism. The authors review responses from G7, G20, BRICS, and UN bodies and propose coordinated strategies for transitioning toward more sustainable plastic management.
Politics and the plastic crisis: A review throughout the plastic life cycle
AI summary Read the abstract
This political science review analyzed over 180 studies on the governance of plastics across their full life cycle, finding that marine pollution and microplastics are driving the fastest growth in plastic policy research. The authors identify fragmented governance architectures and the absence of binding international agreements as major obstacles to addressing the global plastic crisis.
Life Cycle Assessment of Selected Single-Use Plastic Products towards Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations in Sri Lanka
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers applied life cycle assessment to common single-use plastic products in Sri Lanka, quantifying their environmental impacts across production to disposal and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide national plastic pollution policy.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.