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T1 Marine Plastics Litter and Microplastics - Foresight Brief
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
K1 marine pollution
K1 plastic
YR 2017
FD 2017
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/22313
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/22313
NO This brief examines the growing problem of marine plastic litter and microplastics, outlining their sources, distribution, environmental impacts, and policy responses. Marine plastics continue to increase globally, affecting more than 700 species through entanglement, ingestion, suffocation, and the spread of invasive species, while different plastics either float or sink depending on their density. Hotspots occur along coastlines and within major ocean gyres. The brief highlights the need for stronger enforcement, harmonised data collection, public awareness, a global marine pollution framework, reduced plastic leakage, improved waste management, and international cooperation to support effective mitigation.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 23, 2026