Plastic objects from all over the world are constantly washing up on Norwegian shores. This reflects a much larger systemic problem facing the nations of the world.
Scientists have long reported the consequences of plastic pollution and the urgent need for intervention, but global plastic production and consumption continues to rise. This underlines the importance of Norway’s promotion of a global agreement to ensure that the flow of plastics into the environment is stopped. But Norway also has a responsibility in generating plastic pollution.
In a study with the Norwegian Air Research Institute (NILU), researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology attempted to map the Norwegian plastic cycle at high resolution – down to product and polymer type.
According to the study recently published in Environmental Science & Technologyapproximately 758 kilotons (kt) of plastic enter the Norwegian market each year, while 632 kt are discarded as waste.
Almost half of this waste is incinerated and only 2.4% ends up in the environment.
Norway releases 15,000 tons of plastic every year
Although 2.4% may seem insignificant, when translated into absolute masses, it equates to a substantial amount of 15 kt, or 2.8 kg per capita.
On average, Norwegians consume 21% more plastic than Europeans and generate twice as much plastic pollution as the Swiss; this equates to a staggering 1.5 billion plastic bottles ending up in the environment each year. Action against plastic pollution is finally gaining momentum as nations negotiate a legally binding international instrument to curb plastic pollution.
By co-chairing, alongside Rwanda, the Coalition of High Ambitions to Eliminate Plastic Pollution, Norway is raising the bar very high.
The study shows that most macroplastics, items larger than 5mm, mainly come from consumer packaging such as bottles and bags. Also, plastic packaging items are among the most common along Norwegian coasts.
Efforts to limit the release of these products are completely overshadowed by the high rates of consumption. We simply consume more than we can collect.
Irreversible effects on ecosystems
The study identified tires as a significant contributor to microplastic pollution, with around 6 kt of tire wear rubber emitted annually. Capturing these particles is extremely difficult due to the nature of their emissions.
The study emphasizes rethinking mobility and transportation options as essential to reducing this source of pollution. Shared mobility options such as public transport are indeed part of the solution. Designing lighter vehicles and exploring alternative materials can also be effective to some extent.
Norway’s fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles has expanded rapidly in recent years. While they produce less carbon emissions, their greater weight compared to conventional vehicles increases tire wear.
As a coastal country, land-based plastics in Norway can easily end up in the ocean, given the high population concentration along the fjords and long coastlines, it writes EurekAlert.
While the largest percentage of plastic released into the environment ends up in the soil, almost a third ends up in the marine environment. It is important to note that much of what is deposited in the soil will eventually end up in the ocean over time.
Marine plastic pollution has long been shown to cause irreversible effects on ecosystems.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
