Galapagos-bound: Professor Pennie Lindeque joins international plastic pollution project

30 June 2023

‘Plastic was fantastic: a lightweight and durable material that revolutionised medicine and the way we all live today.  But plastic went from scientific development to environmental catastrophe in just 100 years. 

The convenience of plastic has led to it being used for a few hours, minutes, or seconds, before being thrown away… but there is no ‘away’. Plastic persists in the environment for hundreds of years.  

It’s estimated that 45% of all plastic used along the Pacific coastline of South and Central America is inadequately managed, leaking 1 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. This is predicted to double by 2025 if no action is taken.’

[Source: Pacific Plastic Science to Solutions project] 
 

The Pacific Plastic Science to Solutions project has been developed with thanks to a grant from the UK Research and Innovation’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), to build a network of world-class scientists, led by the University of Exeter in collaboration with NGOs and Governmental agencies, all working together to provide the means of freeing the Eastern Pacific from marine plastics.   

We would like to wish our Professor Pennie Lindeque safe travels, and we look forward to further updating you on this project. 

 

 

Find out more about the Pacific Plastic Science to Solutions project here >>