Plastic Pollution

PLASTIC POLLUTION

Committee Co-Chairs: Valeria Estrada and Henry Huot

As plastic pollution continues to be a growing problem, there is an increasing need for solutions. Since the 1950’s, 3.8 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced and most of it ends up as waste in the Pacific Ocean. Since plastic is non-degradable, it simply breaks down into smaller pieces (micro plastic pollution) that harm the environment.

The Great Pacific Ocean garbage patch is the largest plastic build up in the world's oceans and holds over 80,000 tons of the worlds plastic which has a landmass three times the size of France. Not only does this plastic float around in the ocean and harm animals physically, but it releases a harmful chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) which can cause severe health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Plastics can even contaminate food chains and “leach toxic additives or concentrate additives already in the environment” which can directly and indirectly affect human health.

Plastics also pose a threat to marine animals as their stomachs are stuffed with plastic, causing starvation and death. Whales have been found dead with over 88 pounds of plastic waste in their stomachs.

There is an imminent need to curb the amount of plastic pollution. Action must be taken.

If solutions are not found, by 2050 the plastic in the ocean will outweigh the fish.

This is the problem we will tackle as part of the Plastic Pollution Committee.

Questions to Consider:

• What actions can the UN take to tackle the increase in marine litter and micro plastic pollution?

• How can countries develop potential programs to drastically reduce plastic pollution?