Plastic pollution is a global crisis. Since the 1950s more than 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been thrown away. 80% of this has been discarded into the environment via landfills and dumping. Plastic pollution has multiple adverse impacts and threatens human health and wellbeing, animal health and the health of complex ecosystems. Furthermore, the plastics life cycle significantly contributes to climate change. Immediate action is imperative.
In light of the recent UNEP resolution to negotiate a global treaty to end plastic pollution, Revolution Plastics will bring together a wide range of stakeholders including researchers, community organisations, NGOs, industry, policymakers and practitioners from around the world to explore how we can catalyse sustainable transitions to halt the negative impacts of plastics. We will collaborate, discuss and share knowledge to build an evidence base to stimulate change. To truly create impact we need to carry on beyond the conference so we aim to grow PlasticsFuture into a thriving community of practice.