Scenario 3

Ocean Plastic Pollution

Plastic trash is piling up in rivers and oceans. Animals like fish, seabirds, and turtles are eating it and getting sick. Tiny pieces of plastic, called microplastics, are also showing up in seafood that people eat. Fishing and tourism are being hurt in some places, and countries need to work together to solve the problem.

Which aspect(s) of this scenario are you most concerned about?

Answer Choice	Points	SDG Connection	Description
Fishing communities losing income as fish decline as pollution spreads to nearby bodies of water.	2	SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.5	Communities that rely on fishing are disproportionately affected by environmental factors and human activity that affect ocean health.
	1	SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, Target 8.4	As fish populations decline, fishermen lose work, which also affects the businesses they supply.
	1	SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Target 11.4	Fishing communities have a unique culture which is threatened when their livelihoods are at risk.
	1	SDG 14: Life below water, Target 14.4	Pollution leads to a decline in aquatic and marine biodiversity, which can be further exacerbated by fishing practices.

Human health risks from contaminated seafood.	2	SDG 3: Good health and well-being, Target 3.9	Plastics break down into microplastics and leach toxic chemicals into water that get into marine life that is then consumed by humans.
Human health risks from contaminated seafood.	1	SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.1	Contamination in marine ecosystems reduces populations that supply food, leading to food insecurity, especially for populations dependent on seafood.

Plastic waste traveling across borders, requiring cooperation.	2	SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, Target 17.6	Innovations in cleaning plastics from water, as well as plastic alternatives should be shared with all nations.
	1	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.4	Removal of plastics from marine ecosystems should be an international endeavor.
	1	SDG 14: Life below water, Target 14.1	The amount of plastic waste reaching marine environments needs to be reduced.
	1	SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Target 16.6	All nations need to be held accountable for their contributions to plastic waste entering waterways.

Overproduction and poor waste management of plastics.	2	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.4	There needs to be effective ways of handling plastic waste at all stages of its life cycle.
	1	SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Target 11.6	Management of plastic use and waste is particularly important in coastal cities.
	1	SDG 14: Life below water, Target 14.2	Plastic cleanup will reduce adverse impacts of this pollution on marine environments.

Threats to long-term biodiversity.	2	SDG 14: Life below water, Target 14.2	The toxicity of plastics threatens marine species.
Threats to long-term biodiversity.	1	SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15.5	Plastics, especially in soil, threatens terrestrial ecosystems.

Lack of public awareness and education about plastic pollution.	2	SDG 4: Quality education, Target 4.7	Sustainability-focused education programs can address the need for reduced plastic production, as well as how to handle pollution cleanup.
	1	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.5	Prevention, reduction, and recycling can educate the public on the need and means to manage plastic waste.