The ocean, covering more than 70% of the earth's surface and spanning 362 million sq km, is vital to the planet's climate, nutrition and development. It is the source of livelihood for 10% of the world's population engaged in the marine sector, and serves the seafood protein needs of about 15% of the world's population. It is the channel of trade and communication between countries via ships and under water cables. However, the world is now at risk of losing US$2.5 trillion/year worth of marine ecosystem services, including food and oxygen, flood and storm protection, habitat for marine species, and more, to plastic pollution, according to a recent study titled Global ecological, social and economic impacts of marine plastic, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin.
展开▼
