Episode 15 - The Ocean Conference and the danger of plastic pollution
This podcast episode, hosted by Beatriz Matos and Maria Clara, features Lara, a campaign manager focused on marine plastic pollution. The discussion revolves around the recent United Nations Ocean Conference held from June 7 to July 1, which gathered representatives from 159 countries to address ocean protection, resulting in over 2000 voluntary commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society. These commitments aim to enhance marine conservation, including efforts to combat plastic pollution, with Brazil represented by its Ministry of the Environment through a national coastal conservation program. The conversation highlights the severe impacts of plastic waste on marine life and humans, with Brazil recognized as the largest producer of single-use plastics in Latin America. Lara explains how these plastics not only harm marine ecosystems—where marine animals mistake plastic for food—but also pose health risks to humans through microplastics found in air, water, and food. The podcast stresses that relying solely on recycling is insufficient to address the plastic pollution crisis, as the scale of plastic production and disposal far exceeds recycling efforts. Ultimately, the episode underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and promoting more comprehensive solutions for ocean health.