Plastics, Marine Litter, and Climate in the Pacific Region

Global plastics production is a significant contributor to climate change impacts in the Pacific Islands region. Ninety-nine percent of plastics come from fossil fuels, and plastics production is estimated to produce >400 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) per year. This figure does not include emissions from waste management (including transport), mismanagement, and degradation of plastic products. Plastics pollution, including marine litter, magnifies climate impacts in the Pacific region and threatens the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.