Climate Facts: More than 800 marine species are affected by plastic pollution

The complexities of climate change and its associated jargon can make it difficult to digest. TheCable’s climate quick facts will help to demystify these climate concepts through easy-to-understand and straight-to-the-point explanations.

Here are some to keep at the tip of your fingers:

• A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that about half the global population – between 3.3 billion and 3.6 billion people – live in areas “highly vulnerable” to climate change.

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says by 2050, greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, use and disposal would account for 15 percent of allowed emissions, under the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. 

• UNEP also states that exposure to plastics can harm human health, potentially affecting fertility, hormonal, metabolic and neurological activity, adding that open burning of plastics contributes to air pollution.

• According to Plos One, a science research journal, twenty fossil fuel companies including Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell are responsible for 35 percent of all energy-related emissions worldwide since 1965.

• More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by plastic pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers, according to UNEP.