A New Report Looks at the Role of Data in Reducing Ocean Plastics

The Circulate Initiative (TCI) is an organization that studies, measures and amplifies solutions to address the growing problem of ocean plastics. It has released a new report, “Measuring Our Success: How Better Data Can Help Keep Plastic Out of the Ocean,” that identifies key trends, measurement gaps, and steps to overcome the most pressing barriers.

 

As part of its research, TCI reviewed and compiled more than 80 resources that currently exist on the topic of ocean plastics. The group was encouraged by the volume of information and efforts from a wide array of stakeholders but found that “there are often overlaps, which can cause confusion,” as well as critical gaps that must be bridged “in order to gain clarity around ‘what’ and ’how’ to measure.”

 

The report concludes that the “complex challenge of preventing plastics pollution and leakage into the environment requires dramatic systemic solutions.” And, “with so much at stake, we need effective approaches to measurement now.”