Highlighting the hidden climate impacts of plastics at one of the world's leading climate events
Members of the Revolution Plastics Institute will be taking a clear message to one of the world's largest independent climate events this week - Plastic action is climate action.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute will be participating in events throughout London Climate Action Week (LCAW), helping to highlight the often-overlooked links between plastic pollution and climate change.
London Climate Action Week harnesses the power of the capital for global and local climate action. An open and inclusive platform for action and a public good, LCAW is one of the world's largest independent climate events. Now in its eighth year, it brings together more than 75,000 people across more than 750 events, ranging from community gatherings in every London borough to ministerial roundtables in the City of London, and from school events to major international conferences.
The Revolution Plastics Institute team will use the week to reinforce a simple but powerful message: tackling plastic pollution is essential to tackling climate change.
© James Wakibia - A view of plastic bottle waste stuck at a filter made of wire mesh at Njoro River, Nakuru
Professor Cressida Bowyer, Co-Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, said: "Plastic pollution and climate change are deeply interconnected. More than 90 per cent of plastics are produced from fossil fuels, and plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle - from extraction and production through to consumption, disposal and pollution. If we are serious about climate action, we must also be serious about reducing unnecessary plastic production and consumption. Plastic action is climate action."
Plastics make up a significant part of the global pollution threat. As plastics break down, they form microplastics and nanoplastics that persist in the environment, while hazardous chemicals are released into the air, water and soil and our bodies throughout the plastics lifecycle.
Understanding the links between plastics and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is critical to identifying effective solutions and minimising harmful impacts on both people and the planet.
Professor Steve Fletcher, Co-Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, added: "As the international community prepares for the next round of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty, there has never been a more important time to recognise the links between plastics and climate change. An ambitious treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics has the potential to deliver significant benefits for the climate, biodiversity and human health. We hope London Climate Action Week helps strengthen the momentum for meaningful global action."
Throughout London Climate Action Week, the Revolution Plastics Institute will be highlighting the links between plastic pollution and climate change. Institute members will share evidence from their research and engage with policymakers, businesses and communities on the actions needed to reduce plastic pollution, support more sustainable systems and build resilience for people and nature.
Revolution Plastics Institute at London Climate Action Week
Tuesday 23 June
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Reset Connect London
Dr Kate Whitman will be part of a panel exploring - How advertising can accelerate the race to a sustainable future for businesses and consumers? This panel will discuss how the advertising industry can inspire both companies and consumers by shifting narratives, promoting sustainable choices and driving greater accountability.
3:00pm-4:00pm | Reset Connect London
Professor Steve Fletcher will be part of a panel discussing - How can the UK tackle the plastic crisis? This panel will explore the UK-wide impact of plastic waste, from our rivers to our cities and coasts and the emerging evidence linking plastic exposure to human health risks.
Thursday 25 June
Commonwealth Clean Oceans Forum
Professor Cressida Bowyer will speak as a guest panellist, discussing the challenges of plastic pollution through a Commonwealth-wide lens and exploring opportunities for collaborative international action.
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