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Understanding plastics pollution: The role of economic development and technological research
1King's Business School, King's College London, Bush House, 30 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG, UK.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|April 7, 2019
Summary
Plastic pollution is a global crisis. This study finds that higher income correlates with reduced plastic waste, supporting the environmental Kuznets curve, and highlights research investment as key to solutions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Economics
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Global plastic production and single-use item prevalence have escalated plastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
- Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
- The plastic waste problem is a global externality, impacting environmental quality and economies worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the relationship between mismanaged plastic waste and income per capita across 151 countries.
- To empirically validate the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis using plastic pollution data.
- To investigate the role of scientific and technological research investment in mitigating plastic pollution.
Main Methods:
- Econometric modeling to analyze the correlation between plastic waste and income.
- Cross-country analysis utilizing data from 151 nations.
- Statistical analysis to test the environmental Kuznets curve and research investment hypothesis.
Main Results:
- Empirical support for the environmental Kuznets curve in the context of plastic pollution was established for the first time.
- A statistically significant relationship was found between income per capita and mismanaged plastic waste.
- Investment in scientific and technological research showed a positive correlation with reduced plastic pollution.
Conclusions:
- Economic development, as indicated by income per capita, can be linked to decreased plastic pollution.
- Investing in research and development is a critical strategy for tackling the global plastic waste crisis.
- Future research should further explore policy interventions and technological solutions for sustainable plastic management.
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