8% of the plastic that reaches the seas worldwide and, as this material accumulates in the waters, the number of affected animals increases and therefore the quality of human nutrition.
Brazil is responsible for discharging annually 1.3 million tons of plastic waste into the ocean, equivalent to the weight of 1.3 million small carsaccording to the study.
Los microplastics They are already part of the diet of human beings, since This material was found in the stomachs of 9 of the 10 most consumed fish species globally.which represents a risk to public health.
In Brazilplastic was identified in the stomachs of more than 200 marine species and 98% of the Amazonian fish analyzed also reflected plastic or microplastic in its intestines and gills.
The report highlights that, despite being the leader in the production of this material in Latin America, Brazil “does not have any legislation” that regulates the production of this material that is so harmful to the ecosystem.
Recommendations
The NGO recommends that the Government accelerate the approval of a bill that establishes plastic management aimed at the circular economy and also to “invest in research and development to promote alternatives to plastic with reusable or compostable materials” in the different production systems.
“It is essential to understand that the plastic that pollutes our seas gets there due to a production and disposal model that urgently needs to be replaced”says the oceanologist and general director of the NGO, Ademilson Zamboniwho clarifies that “The industry cannot continue denying its responsibility” and that is a duty of public power “lead a transition.”
Plastic pollution is considered a global crisis by the United Nations and represents the second largest environmental threat to the planet, with negative impacts on all ecosystems, including marine biodiversity.
HIM proposed a roadmap where it establishes that it is urgent reducing plastic production and improving recycling systems which alone could reduce plastic pollution by 20% by 2040.