Signal Almost 10% of plastic litter ends up in the ocean
Summary
The report states that plastic makes up 60~80% of litter. Nearly 10% of that plastic reaches the ocean, either directly or indirectly in the form of microplastics. The report treats this as evidence of the transboundary character of pollution. Microplastics have recently been found even near the summit of Mount Everest. Pollutants that enter the sea cause harm to marine species. The UK's Circular Economy Package seeks to cut waste and make better use of resources, supported by targeted bans and taxes on plastic waste.
Classification
Main topicEcosystems & Biodiversity
Region menusGlobal
Occurrencescope:global
Impactscope:global
Time horizon0-3 years (2026-09-29)
Published2025
Last updated2026-09-30 11:23 KST
Evidence 1
- HM Government - Cabinet Office and Government Office for Science (Foresight) Chronic Risks Analysis HM Government - Cabinet Office and Government Office for Science (Foresight) no link — bibliographic entry p. 68 2025 accessed 2026-09-29
Part of trends 1
Directly linked issues 0
No objects.
Relation types: supports
Public id: fm-1d0d4bbb157e
