Plastic warms the planet twice as much as aviation - here's how to make it climate friendly

Dr Laurie Wright examines the impact plastic is having on the climate, and discusses how reducing demand for carbon-based plastic and replacing it with bioplastics can have a positive effect. 

We’re all too aware of the consequences of plastics in the oceans and on land. However, beyond the visible pollution of our once pristine habitats, plastics are having a grave impact on the climate too.

Newly published research calculates that across their lifecycle, plastics account for 3.8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s almost double the emissions of the aviation sector. If it were a country, the 'Plastic Kingdom' would be the fifth-highest emitter in the world.

Read Dr Laurie Wright's article in full on The Conversation