After Reading The Instructions Provided In The Course ✓ Solved

After reading the instructions provided in the course cont

Upload the Proposal for your Case Study in this Assignment folder. Make sure your references are in APA or MLA style. Your proposal must include a minimum of one paragraph on: (1) the environmental issue you choose to investigate, including general background about your selected topic and the geographic area in question, (2) an explanation of the controversy (i.e. the cons or the opposing views), and (3) a list of suitable references you will use to construct your case study.

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

The environmental issue I have chosen to investigate is plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, focusing specifically on the geographic area of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The GPGP is located between Hawaii and California in the North Pacific Ocean and is known for its high concentration of marine debris, primarily composed of plastics. This ecological dilemma is not only a pressing concern for marine life but also affects human health, coastal economies, and the overall environment.

### Background on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental challenge globally. Since its mass production in the 1950s, plastic has permeated every aspect of modern life due to its versatility and durability, leading to widespread use across various industries. However, the very properties that make plastic advantageous also contribute to its environmental persistence. Plastics do not biodegrade and can persist in marine and terrestrial ecosystems for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by marine organisms, leading to harmful consequences (Parker, 2018).

In the GPGP, marine debris collects due to ocean currents, converging filters like a vortex. Research estimates suggest that the GPGP contains over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing approximately 80,000 metric tons (Lebreton et al., 2018). This area is home to a diverse range of marine biodiversity, which is now threatened by plastic ingestion and entanglement. Fishermen and coastal communities bear the brunt of economic losses due to depleted fish stocks, while the ecological consequences can lead to disturbed food webs and loss of biodiversity.

### The Controversy

The controversy surrounding plastic pollution in the GPGP is multi-faceted. On one side, environmental activists and scientists advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production and consumption, emphasizing the need for reducing single-use plastics, enhancing waste management systems, and promoting sustainable alternatives (Rochman et al., 2013). They argue that without systemic changes, the ocean's ecosystems will suffer irreversible damage, affecting not only marine life but also human communities relying on healthy oceans.

Conversely, some industries resist such regulations citing economic impacts. Plastic manufacturers argue that plastics are essential to various economic sectors, including healthcare and the automotive industry (Geyer et al., 2017). They assert that economically-driven innovations in waste management and recycling technologies are better approaches than implementing stringent bans on plastics. The debate continues around balancing economic development and environmental protection, illustrating the complexity of stakeholders involved.

### References

  • Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782.
  • Lebreton, L. C. M., van der Zwet, J., Dam, S., Slat, B., & Andrady, A. (2018). River plastic emissions to the world's oceans. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1-11.
  • Parker, L. (2018). Plastic pollution. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com
  • Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A., Halpern, B. S., Hentschel, B. T., & Leslie, H. A. (2013). Policy: Classify plastic waste as hazardous. Science, 339(6123), 211-212.

In summary, plastic pollution in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch represents a critical environmental issue with both ecological and socioeconomic ramifications. The ongoing debates among stakeholders highlight the complexity of addressing environmental challenges in a way that harmonizes ecological preservation with economic viability. Such a case study will require an in-depth examination of the various perspectives and an evaluation of potential solutions for minimizing plastic pollution's impact on marine ecosystems and human communities.

References

  • Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782.
  • Lebreton, L. C. M., van der Zwet, J., Dam, S., Slat, B., & Andrady, A. (2018). River plastic emissions to the world's oceans. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1-11.
  • Parker, L. (2018). Plastic pollution. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com
  • Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A., Halpern, B. S., Hentschel, B. T., & Leslie, H. A. (2013). Policy: Classify plastic waste as hazardous. Science, 339(6123), 211-212.
  • Thompson, R. C., Swan, S. H., Moore, C. J., & vom Saal, F. S. (2009). Our plastic age. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 1973-1976.
  • Eriksen, M., Mason, S. A., Wilson, S., & Coyle, H. (2013). Microplastic pollution in the surface waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77(1), 48-54.
  • Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., & Levitus, S. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.
  • Andrady, A. L. (2011). Microplastics in the oceans. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(8), 1596-1605.
  • Browne, M. A., Galloway, T. S., & Thompson, R. C. (2007). Microplastic - An emerging contaminant of potential concern? Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 3(4), 559-561.

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