We need to reimagine our relationship with plastics to prevent plastic pollution becoming a threat to humanity as significant as climate change, say experts.
Researchers in the University of Birmingham’s Plastics Network argue it will be impossible to achieve a sustainable solution without adopting a whole-systems approach that is underpinned by science, driven by policy and informed by public expectations.
In a new report launched today [Friday 27 January] at the Exchange in Birmingham, the researchers set out a series of questions that need to be addressed if we are to achieve plastic neutrality by the time we intend to reach carbon neutrality (net zero).
Oceans of words have already been spilled over the plastic problem, but there are still big and worrying gaps in our knowledge and a high risk of unintended negative social and environmental consequences from the well-meaning solutions currently being proposed.
Professor Fern Elsdon-Baker, Director Research Institute for STEMM in Culture and Society at the University of Birmingham, is a co-author of the report. She said: “Oceans of words have already been spilled over the plastic problem, but there are still big and worrying gaps in our knowledge and a high risk of unintended negative social and environmental consequences from the well-meaning solutions currently being proposed.
“We need to start by taking a step back and asking the fundamental questions about the future we want to build. By bringing together the right disciplines and stakeholders from across society, we can create entirely new pathways towards a sustainable plastic future.”
Professor Elsdon-Baker added: “Unless we adopt a systemic approach to these challenges, that addresses the problem from the ground up, the solutions of today are likely to be the problems of tomorrow.”
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Professor of Science, Knowledge and Belief in Society
Biographical and contact for Professor Fern Elsdon-Baker in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham.
Professor of Sustainable Polymer Chemistry
Staff profile for Andrew Dove, Professor in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham.
Professor of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry
Professor Dr Stefan Krause, Professor of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry. His is investigating the impact of global environmental change on hydrological fluxes, biogeochemical cycling & ecohydrological feedback function
