Gendering Environmental Security: Why It Matters When Tackling Ocean Plastic Pollution


Publisher: CECRI

Author(s): Maureen Walschot

Date: 2020

Topics: Cooperation, Gender, Renewable Resources, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution

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On June 8, the world celebrated World Oceans Day. For a week, a series of international organizations and individuals have raised awareness around the ocean environment and stressed its importance. However, this week also recalled to us that ocean plastic pollution is a growing problem. By 2050, studies show that there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans1 . Scientists have found plastic debris, especially micro plastic, in places where humans have never set a foot before, such as the ocean floor. However, until today, the full security impact of this large-scale pollution on our marine environment and our health and livelihood is still unknown. Among these uncertainties are the different consequences on women and men due to biological and social attributes.