Plastic pollution ocean facts: Although plastic is an integral part of our lives today, its dark side is pushing the ocean towards destruction. Every day, countless tons of plastic, after our use, reach the bottom of the ocean through rivers, starting from dustbins. On the one hand, people do not pay attention to it because they do not see it with their eyes, on the other hand, animals are experiencing it as a deadly danger. But can you imagine what impact it could have if this plastic is thrown into the sea? Billions of plastics are produced every day around the world. But most of it accumulates in the depths of the sea. Due to the abundance of single-use plastic, the weakness of the recycling process and human indifference, the sea is gradually becoming a plastic dumping ground. Today, plastic pollution has become not just an environmental problem, but a global crisis. Below are 10 surprising facts about ocean plastic pollution that many people don’t know.
A truckload of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute
After knowing plastic pollution ocean facts you’ll get scared. About 300 million tons of plastic are produced in the world every year, of which about 8 to 12 million tons fall directly into the ocean. Unusable plastic bottles, packets, straws, cigarette filters, plastic bags, and various other plastic items are also deposited in the ocean through rivers every day. Since it is an indestructible material, it does not get destroyed and breaks down into microplastics in the ocean. As a result, the marine ecosystem is greatly affected. Many animals in the ocean, such as fish, turtles, and whales, eat these plastics and reach the human body through the food chain. So now you understand how terrible plastic pollution is going to be in the ocean in the future? Do we say that we behave selfishly with nature. But we do not think that if this nature turns its back on us, what kind of severe reaction it can have. Although we somewhat predicted the arrival of Covid 19 in 2020. That pandemic showed us with a finger that we are all very children to nature. In the real world, nature is the last word. But if we continue to pollute the ocean with plastic day after day, another bad day is not far off.
There will be more plastic in the ocean than fish:
It is another important plastic pollution ocean facts. Scientists have calculated the amount of plastic produced every day around the world. And from that calculation, it is revealed that if this amount of plastic enters the ocean every day, then by 2050 the weight of plastic will exceed the weight of fish in the ocean. It should be remembered that any aquatic animal in the ocean reproduces. But since plastic breaks down into microplastics, it can never be destroyed. Therefore, exceeding its level will have a major impact on the food security of human civilization. Because fisheries are a part of the economy of every country, most of the fish or marine animals that fishermen accept and sell in the market will have plastic substances in their bodies. Which will enter the human body and deteriorate human health.
Beaches and coasts will be filled with piles of plastic
Here is another hilarious plastic pollution ocean facts. Since eighty percent of coastal waste is plastic, a mountain of plastic will form on all these beaches by 2050. From which microbes will mix with more air, pollute the air and cause great harm to the human body. And in this nature, apart from humans, there are other terrestrial and animal species that will share the terrible consequences of this plastic pollution.
90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs
Studies have shown that about 90% of seabirds in the world have plastic in their bodies. They swallow small microplastics, mistaking them for food, and slowly die.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a floating island
There is a huge plastic accumulation area in the North Pacific Ocean, called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Its area is about three times the size of the state of Texas. It is a “floating island” filled with piles of plastic.
More than a million marine animals die every year due to eating plastic
There are various rare species of animals in the sea. Usually, these animals have a strong impact on the marine ecosystem. Plastic pollution in the sea can have a harmful effect on turtles, seals, whales and dolphins through the food chain. As a result, it is believed that more than a million marine animals will lose their lives in the future. Then you will never be able to sit on the beach with your children and witness the rare games and scenes of all these marine animals again. So you have to think about it after knowing this hilarious plastic pollution ocean facts.
Plastic turns into tiny microplastics
Since plastic is an indestructible material that can never be destroyed. This is a harsh plastic pollution ocean facts. Therefore, microplastics are formed by breaking down plastic. These enter the bodies of marine animals and disrupt the balance of the food chain. Which later enters the human body and causes various serious and fatal diseases.
80% of waste on the beach is plastic
About 80 percent of plastic waste is found on the beach. Only humans are responsible for this. Because people leave plastic bottles, cigarette packets and other items used to relax in the sun on the beach. Later, the tide comes and carries all those plastics from the sand back to the depths. It becomes impossible to get rid of plastic from nature.
Climate change will accelerate
The ocean maintains the balance in nature by absorbing the earth’s carbon. As a result, no toxic gas can easily enter the earth by crossing the atmosphere. But if the ocean is polluted by plastic, the earth’s ability to absorb carbon will gradually disappear. This can result in climate change. And with it, greenhouse gases will easily enter the earth through the atmosphere. As a result, heart disease can occur in the human body. Even skin cancer can occur.
Collapse of the global economy
Since fishing is a means of livelihood for any country, ordinary people will no longer be able to buy aquatic animals contaminated with plastic in the future. As a result, fishing and marine industries around the world are facing huge financial losses every year. And it is believed that this loss will increase fivefold by 2050, resulting in a huge collapse in the economies of many countries. It’s considered as one of the horrible plastic pollution ocean facts.
Conclusion:
So today we have discussed about the plastic pollution ocean facts vividly above. Now you can understand what the ocean will look like infuture? If we are aware today, we may be able to gift a clean ocean to future generations. If we are still indifferent to this, then the ocean will disappear from the next few years. If effective steps are not taken now, then in the future the reserves of natural mineral resources will decrease. And there will be no more beaches. If the use of plastic cannot be reduced now and alternative products are used, then in the near future there may be more terrible harmful effects on human life. If we are not aware, then saving the earth will become difficult in the future.