Abstract:
Collective efforts are needed to understand the scale and impact of plastic pollution and community science offers a decentralized approach to data collection, awareness-raising, and community engagement. For this event, five experts will discuss how community science is helping scientists undertaking large-scale research questions about plastic waste and pollution, and policymakers developing approaches to prevent environmental harm. The panel will describe how community science can solve problems to advance scientific knowledge, inform science policy and design effective policy responses. This event represents a dynamic and inclusive approach to scientific inquiry by leveraging the collective intelligence and enthusiasm of diverse communities to address complex challenges and inform evidence-based policymaking.

Summary of Conversations

The panel explored the role of community science in addressing plastic pollution. Discussions emphasized leveraging collective intelligence through initiatives like shoreline cleanups, which gather data on plastic pollution types and quantities, informing scientific research and policy. A key theme was the need to balance environmental goals with economic realities, ensuring policies don’t disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The importance of clear communication, data accessibility, and compelling narratives to engage the public and policymakers was highlighted. Panellists also addressed challenges in data harmonization across different sources and regions, stressing the need for standardized methods and data management to ensure data is usable and impactful. There was a call for greater focus on human health impacts related to the environment and how that can change people’s perspectives.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

• Community science is a valuable tool for gathering data on plastic pollution and informing policy decisions.
• Data harmonization across different sources and regions is a significant challenge, hindering comprehensive assessments.
• Clear communication and compelling narratives are essential for engaging the public and policymakers.
• Balancing environmental goals with economic realities and equity considerations is crucial for effective policy implementation.
• Addressing the human health impacts of plastic pollution is critical for broadening public concern and support.
• There’s a need for increased investment in data management and analysis to ensure data is usable and impactful.
• Standardizing methods is key to making the work repeatable and credible to policymakers.
• Local community engagement is key to tackling the global issue.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Promote data standardization and harmonization efforts to enable comprehensive assessments of plastic pollution.
• Develop compelling narratives and communication campaigns to engage the public and policymakers on the issue.
• Incorporate economic and equity considerations into policy development to ensure fair and effective implementation.
• Prioritize research on the human health impacts of plastic pollution to raise awareness and drive action.
• Increase investment in data management and analysis infrastructure to support the use of community science data.
• Build and improve communication between governments, municipalities, local communities, and First Nations.
• Focus on practical alternatives and solutions that are readily available to reduce plastic consumption.
• Develop training to help those who are not experts in the field measure plastic pollution.