The World Economic Forum’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution have made significant progress in recent years. However, microplastics remain a major concern due to their widespread presence in our oceans and land ecosystems. In fact, microplastics account for more than 90% of all plastic on the ocean surface.
Microplastics are tiny particles less than five millimeters in size, originating from various sources such as cosmetic microbeads and the breakdown of larger plastics. Recent studies have highlighted the negative impacts of microplastics on photosynthesis, the food chain, human health, and even brain function.
One study found that microplastics can reduce plant photosynthesis by up to 12% across terrestrial plants and algae, which could lead to yield losses in crops such as corn and rice. Moreover, microplastics have been linked to increased antimicrobial resistance, affecting human health.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has established 25 national partnerships to combat plastic pollution, aiming to translate global commitments into concrete actions. The partnership also launched grants to support non-profits and community initiatives fighting plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.
Reducing microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, including the removal of existing plastics, reducing new plastics, and increasing awareness about their impact on our ecosystems and human health. By working together, we can mitigate the effects of microplastics and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Source: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/04/impact-microplastics-environment-health