24. What is the GPGP? Describe current efforts to reduce its size.

Answer 1

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is a collection of marine debris, mainly plastics, that accumulates in the North Pacific Ocean. It is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and consists of a high concentration of floating plastic debris.

Current efforts to reduce the size of the GPGP include cleanup projects such as The Ocean Cleanup, which utilizes floating barriers to collect and remove debris from the ocean. Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce plastic waste at the source through initiatives like banning single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and increasing public awareness about the issue of marine plastic pollution.

However, cleaning up the GPGP is a complex challenge due to its vast size and remote location. It will require coordinated international efforts, innovative technologies, and long-term commitment to effectively reduce the size of this environmental threat.