The GuardianThe Guardian

More than 170 trillion plastic particles are afloat in oceans, say scientists

By Helena Horton and Damian Carrington

08 Mar 2023 · 2 min read

Editor's Note

According to The Guardian, scientists are arguing that “cleanup is futile” if the production of plastics continues at the same rate. Plastic production needs to be designed for recyclability.

An unprecedented rise in plastic pollution has been uncovered by scientists, who have calculated that more than 170tn plastic particles are afloat in the oceans.

They have called for a reduction in the production of plastics, warning that “cleanup is futile” if they continue to be pumped into the environment at the current rate.

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