We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Can the Global Problem of Marine Litter Be Considered a Crisis?
Summary
This paper argues that marine plastic pollution should be treated as a 'creeping crisis' rather than an acute emergency, requiring sustained long-term governance rather than short-term fixes. Framing the problem appropriately is important for designing effective international agreements on plastic production and waste.
Marine plastic litter and microplastics pollution is a global governance problem with unknown and potentially dire consequences. Efforts to promote individual‐centered solutions to the problem are increasingly necessary but are insufficient to tackle the root causes of the problem. Therefore, a concerted policy response at the global level is imperative. The success of such efforts necessarily depends on the way in which the problem is framed and understood, including its degree of urgency. This paper engages with this problem by considering the nature of the issue in light of the crisis term and argues that the global problem of marine litter may be more productively considered a “creeping crisis” given the complexity, scope, and spatio‐temporally fragmented nature of the problem.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Plastic pollution of the world’s seas and oceans as a contemporary challenge in ocean governance
This paper frames plastic pollution of the world's seas and oceans as a defining contemporary challenge in ocean stewardship, reviewing the scale of the problem and arguing for urgent policy and management responses.
On the Challenge of Plastic Wastes and Litter in Oceans: Some Policy Reflections
This policy analysis discusses the growing crisis of plastic litter in the world's oceans, reviewing international agreements and national policies aimed at reducing ocean plastic pollution. The authors argue that current policy efforts fall far short of what is needed and propose stronger global governance frameworks.
Governance solutions to the 'tragedy' of marine plastics
This paper analyzed the governance challenges of marine plastic pollution, framing it as a collective action problem similar to a tragedy of the commons and reviewing international governance frameworks for addressing it. The authors argue that current mechanisms are insufficient and propose strengthened global governance solutions.
Politics and the plastic crisis: A review throughout the plastic life cycle
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.
Marine litter: how to monitor, reduce and prevent ocean debris. Focus on plastics and microplastics.
This report reviewed the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans and the policy landscape for addressing it, emphasizing that production, use, and end-of-life management all require reform. It frames plastic pollution as a systemic challenge requiring coordinated international action rather than single-issue solutions.