While plastic is a revolutionary material, plastic waste is difficult to manage and has significant adverse effects if it escapes into the environment, especially the ocean. Many policy responses have been developed in an attempt to address this issue, yet the amount of plastic waste in the ocean
continues to increase annually. This policy insight reviews the causes and consequences of marine plastic waste and assesses the international policy responses to the problem. Particular focus is given to the African continent, which is headed towards becoming the world’s most polluted continent.
