Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on Ocean Life

1. Lesson 2 What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Ocean Plastics Geography | 11-14

2. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? • Consider how the properties of plastic make it so popular / harmful • Rank how different types of litter biodegrade in the ocean • Suggest how plastics can harm turtles • Evaluate whether there is enough scientific evidence to take drastic action on plastics

3. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? What is the best thing about plastic?

4. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Some properties of plastics… Light Mouldable Can be coloured Waterproof Strong Plentiful raw materials Versatile Cheap

5. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? We are producing over 300 million tonnes a year, and 50% of this is designed for single use. Single-use plastic

6. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? It is estimated that 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been created. Of that, only 9% has been recycled. Recycling

7. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Some 13 billion bottles of water are bought in the UK every year. 59% are collected for recycling. Plastic bottles that are not recycled cost £22m to dispose of. Water bottles

8. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? How long does it last?

9. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean?

10. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean?

11. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean?

12. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Turtles eating plastic can cause… …blockage of the intestines, which can lead to… …internal injury, which can lead to… …malnutrition, which can lead to… …increased buoyancy, which can lead to… …poor health. …difficulty in finding food. …reduced growth. …death.

13. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Turtles getting entangled in plastic can cause… …cuts and other injuries, which can lead to… …problems swimming, which can lead to… …drowning. …starvation.

14. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Plastic on the beach can cause… …turtle nests to become warmer, which can lead to… …more turtle hatchlings being female.

15. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Do we know enough? Should we be taking more action on plastics?

16. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? The precautionary principle means taking action to reduce harm even if all the data is not available before harm is proved. For example, with new medicines, companies need to prove their effectiveness and lack of harmful side-effects before selling these. They cannot just hope for the best and see what happens. For the environment, should a new pesticide be proven to have no harm on bees before being sold, or wait for reports of harm? Precautionary principle

17. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Plastic has been found in every part of the ocean where scientists have sampled for it. Everywhere

18. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Plastic has been found in the intestines of about 700 marine species. Everywhere

19. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Plastic can entangle and lacerate large marine species such as turtles and whales. Entanglement

20. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Large pieces of plastics can block the intestines of marine animals. Blocking guts

21. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Bottled water can contain up to 10,000 plastic pieces per litre. Tap water was found to contain on average between 10 (USA) and 4 (Europe) pieces of plastic per litre. Home harm

22. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? As plastic breaks into smaller pieces (microplastics), it can be eaten by more species. Bioavailable

23. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Scientists are not sure what harm microplastics cause plankton in the open ocean. Plankton

24. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Chemical toxins stick to plastic particles in the ocean. Scientists do not know whether toxins from plastics cause more harm than direct from the environment. Toxins

25. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Nanoplastics are very small particles that can travel through the gut into the tissue. Scientists have not been able to find nanoplastics in the ocean and don’t know how they behave. Nanoplastics

26. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Your choice Take drastic action Wait until we know more Take some action

27. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean? Reflect on what you have learnt this lesson. What is the worst thing about plastic?

28. Lesson 2: What is plastic and why is it a problem in the ocean?