Question

Describe another example of a problem with plastics in the ocean.

a) Marine animals ingest plastic, leading to fatal consequences.
b) Plastics create unsightly garbage patches in the ocean.
c) Plastic pollution disrupts the marine ecosystem.
d) Plastics contribute to global warming.

Discuss how you would reduce this problem.
a) Implement stricter regulations on plastic production and use.
b) Promote awareness campaigns about the impact of plastic pollution.
c) Encourage the use of biodegradable alternatives to plastic.
d) All of the above.

Answer 1

Plastics in the ocean contribute to global warming and pose a threat to marine life, leading to fatal ingestion and disrupting ecosystems. Reducing this problem involves stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, the use of biodegradable alternatives, and improvements in recycling.

Step-by-step explanation:

Problems with Plastics in the Marine Environment

Plastics are ubiquitous in modern life, prized for their low cost, versatility, and durability. However, the very properties that make plastics so useful in everyday life also make them a persistent environmental hazard, particularly in our oceans. Plastics contribute to global warming, as their production consumes significant fossil fuel resources—1.5 million barrels of oil each year just for plastic bottles—and results in increased carbon emissions.

One of the pervasive issues is the ingestion of plastics by marine animals. Mistaking them for food, these creatures suffer from fatal consequences which lead to disruptions in the marine ecosystem. Moreover, plastic pollution is not only an eyesore with sprawling garbage patches but also disrupts habitats and endangers wildlife.

Reducing plastic pollution is imperative to protect our marine ecosystems and the overall environment. Implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and use, promoting awareness campaigns about the impact of plastic pollution, and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives are comprehensive solutions to this growing problem. Recycling has become one of the primary methods to manage plastic waste, preventing it from entering landfills or the natural environment, but it's not without challenges.

Collectively addressing the plastic waste problem would necessitate a multi-faceted approach that includes both reducing the production of new plastics and improving the rates and methods of recycling. Innovations in biodegradable materials could offer a promising alternative, making products that can safely break down without harming wildlife or ecosystems.

Answer 2

Plastics in the ocean pose various problems including harmful effects on marine life and contributing to global warming. Strategies to mitigate these issues involve stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, and biodegradable alternatives. The best approach combines all these strategies. the correct option for reducing the problem with plastics in the ocean is d) All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plastics have become ubiquitous in modern life, praised for their low cost, versatility, and ease of manufacture. However, the problem with plastics in the ocean is a growing concern, with marine animals mistaking them for food, leading to fatal consequences. This hazard is compounded by the creation of unsightly garbage patches and disruption to the marine ecosystem, which affects the overall health of our oceans. Another significant problem is the contribution of plastics to global warming. The production of plastics is energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil fuels. It's estimated that 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year just to make plastic bottles, which significantly increases carbon emissions.

One effective approach to reduce this problem encompasses implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and use, promoting awareness campaigns about the impact of plastic pollution, and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives to plastic. Given the increasing volume of plastic waste, which threatens to overwhelm landfill capacities and the added environmental cost of new plastic production, prioritizing recycling, and responsible disposal are essential. In conclusion, the correct option for reducing the problem with plastics in the ocean is d) All of the above.