Learning Pathways

Ocean plastics

Theme
Target Group
  • Researchers,
  • Students,
  • Teachers,
  • Policy makers,
  • Community workers
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The purpose of the learning pathway is to introduce researchers, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders involved with the ocean and its governance to understand the various issues around marine plastics. It explores various causes of plastic pollution, its effect on marine life and on human well-being, and the solutions that have been identified so far to address the issue. The objective of the learning pathway is to help learners be aware of the scope of ocean plastics, full range of the issues arising from them, and to contribute to current and future solutions at different levels.

Pathway Description

Current estimates show that there are 8 million tons of plastic being deposited into the oceans each year (Jambeck et al. 2015), accounting for 80% of all marine debris. This, however, may be an
underestimate. Ocean plastics have quickly become the most visible and widely known ocean health issue. It has been featured in policy agendas nationally and internationally. It has also brought needed attention to the wider problem of “land-based marine pollution” – pollution of the ocean from waste that is generated on land, although ocean plastics are also partly caused by waste from fishing vessels. Presently, ocean plastics is by far the biggest component of marine litter and pose a variety of threats to marine life thereby impacting the benefits that humans derive from thriving marine ecosystems.

What you’ll learn

  • The causes of plastic pollution and why it is a cause for concern.
  • Current and future initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution and how to be a part of the solution to marine plastics.
  • Ways to address current pollution and champion prevention of future plastic pollution.
Time Required for the completion of the full pathway – 18 hrs

NOTE that you need not complete the entire learning pathway in one lesson.

Learning Outcomes

NOTE It is up to the learner to measure their progress against the learning outcomes indicated below. There will be no facilitated assessments of the same.

By the end of this course you should be able to do the following :

  • Explain the plastic life cycle and ocean plastics as part of the wider issue.
  • Describe what solutions work and what are false solutions to addressing ocean plastics.
  • Identify current international solutions to ocean plastics and what are in pipeline.

Pathway Content

Module 1 Understanding marine plastics

This module introduces you to the concept of the plastic life cycle and the issue of marine plastics.

Module 2 Why is it important to act immediately on marine plastics?

Marine plastics are an increasing concern. This module introduces the learner to why there is an urgent need to focus on this issue.

Module 3 What are the current treaties and processes to address this issue

Resources on UN treaties and processes.

Module 4 Further reading

Extra reading on marine plastics, including a training course and information sheets.

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