€7.5 Billion Required to Clean Up Pacific Ocean’s Plastic Mass in a Decade, Says The Ocean Cleanup
Amsterdam, 7 September 2024 — The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast expanse of floating plastic waste in the northern Pacific Ocean, stands as a stark reminder of humanity’s impact on the environment. Now, a Dutch non-profit organization, The Ocean Cleanup, has estimated that €7.5 billion is needed to rid the ocean of this plastic mass within the next decade. However, the organization suggests that with the use of advanced drone technology to map the area, the cleanup could be completed in just five years at a cost of €4 billion.
The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Boyan Slat, has been at the forefront of the battle against ocean plastic pollution. Initially, the organization had set a goal to make the plastic soup a thing of the past by 2040. However, new strategies and technologies have prompted a revision of this timeline, offering a more optimistic outlook.
According to The Ocean Cleanup, the use of flying drones to map the plastic mass would significantly enhance the efficiency of the cleanup process. The drones would provide detailed information on the distribution and concentration of the plastic, allowing for a more targeted approach. This would not only save time and money but also reduce the risks associated with the cleanup operation.
The plastic soup is always on the move and not equally concentrated everywhere, explained a spokesperson for The Ocean Cleanup. By mapping the area with drones, we can determine a more efficient route for cleanup operations. This will make the process faster and more cost-effective.
The urgency of the cleanup cannot be overstated. The organization warns that if left unchecked, the floating plastics trapped in the patches will continue to circulate, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces. These microplastics are increasingly being ingested by marine life, posing a threat to ecosystems, human health, and economies.
Boyan Slat, the organization’s founder, emphasized the importance of acting quickly. Clean oceans can be achieved in a manageable timeframe and at a manageable cost, he said. We have shown the world that the impossible is now possible. The only thing missing is who will make sure it gets done.
The Ocean Cleanup is calling on governments, companies, individuals, and organizations to contribute to the €7.5 billion needed for the decade-long cleanup. For a quicker solution, the organization estimates that €4 billion is required in the short term to leverage the benefits of drone technology.
The campaign to raise funds is gaining momentum, with The Ocean Cleanup highlighting the potential benefits of a cleaner ocean. A successful cleanup would not only protect marine ecosystems but also reduce the amount of plastic entering the food chain, which could have far-reaching health implications for humans.
Moreover, the cleanup could have significant economic benefits. A healthier ocean could support more robust fisheries, tourism, and other marine industries, contributing to global economic stability and growth.
Despite the daunting challenge ahead, The Ocean Cleanup remains optimistic. The organization has already made significant strides in developing technologies to remove plastic from the ocean, including its innovative System 03 extraction method.
As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic pollution, the efforts of The Ocean Cleanup serve as a beacon of hope. With the necessary funding and technological advancements, the dream of a plastic-free Pacific Ocean could become a reality within the next decade—or even sooner.
For more information on how to contribute to The Ocean Cleanup’s mission, visit their website or follow their ongoing efforts on social media. The organization’s work is a testament to the power of innovation and the collective will to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
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