Conceptualizing the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution on human well-being-A perspective

Marine plastic pollution is one of the major environmental problems globally, with adverse impacts on human well-being but socio-cultural impacts remain poorly conceptualized and little understudied. This perspective paper argues for a more nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of impacts beyond direct and quantitatively measured impacts. The paper provides a working definition of and a conceptual framework for categorizing the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution. It also highlights three dimensions of sociocultural impacts (lifestyle, mental health, and cultural and heritage impacts), and characterizes and suggests ways socio-cultural impacts can be assessed and recognized. The paper is meant to provoke productive debate and policy and management options for addressing the impacts of marine plastic pollution in socially meaningful and equitable ways.

Automated summary

This perspective paper argues for a more nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of marine plastic pollution beyond direct and quantitatively measured impacts. It provides a definition and a framework for categorizing socio-cultural impacts, highlighting three dimensions (lifestyle, mental health, and cultural and heritage impacts), and suggests ways to assess and recognize these impacts. The paper aims to stimulate productive debate and offer policy and management options for addressing the impacts of marine plastic pollution in socially meaningful and equitable ways.