Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
6. Explain what constitutes Marine litter? And account for the effects it has on Economy and public health. (250 words)
Reference: DDI News
Why the question:
Indian Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and German Environment Ministry’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH India signed an agreement recently on Marine litter. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain what constitutes Marine litter and account for the effects it has on the economy and public health.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the definition of Marine litter.
Body:
Explain the impact of Marine litter – Marine litter threatens ecosystems and adversely affects fishery and tourism industries around the globe. In addition to negative economic impact, it affects public health with increased concerns about micro-plastic and risk of particles entering the food chain.
In recent times, the level of plastic waste that has accumulated in our oceans and marine ecosystems through the increasing production and use of durable synthetic materials has alarmed the public and policy makers alike. It is estimated that 15-20% of all plastics are entering oceans via riverine ecosystems of which 90% are contributed by 10 of the world’s most polluting rivers. Two of these river systems are located in India, namely Ganga and Brahmaputra.
Discuss what needs to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
