Have you ever seen upsetting images of turtles, sea birds and fish tangled in plastic debris? The truth is that plastic is everywhere in the ocean, harming marine animals, and it will take wide-ranging action to improve the situation.
Our exhibit at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition highlights the global plastic problem, and some of the cutting-edge approaches to tackling it.
Oceanic plastic pollution comes from a wide variety of sources and it does most harm to wildlife and the economy close to coastlines. Large pieces of plastic can entangle marine animals, while tiny pieces – broken down by the action of water and the sun – cause harm by entering the marine food chain. To clear up this mess requires combined social, political, scientific and engineering solutions that remove the pollution already out there, and prevent more plastic entering the ocean. Join us to discuss the solutions to the global plastic problem we’re facing.
Find out more
Exhibit details on the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition website
The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition runs 4-10 July 2016. For opening hours and practical information please consult the visitor information page.