Plastic & Climate Change
Plastic is intrinsically linked to climate change. Because it is produced from fossil fuels, extracting and creating plastics emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases. The plastic industry accounts for about 6 percent of global oil consumption and is expected to reach 20 percent by 2050. If the plastic industry was a country, it would already be the world's fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter. For certain types of plastic the rate of carbon emissions can be as high as 6:1. So for every kilogram of plastic produced, 6 kilograms of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere. In addition, research has demonstrated that many plastics give off powerful greenhouse gases, including methane, as they break down, contributing to climate change.
This platform provides more information on the impacts of plastic on our environment and equips the global sailing community with opportunities and tools to become part of the solution.
parley AIR STRATEGY
How do we combat a problem that ravages the environment in so many ways? There is only one way — a Material Revolution. As a species, humanity needs to re-think its relationship with plastic. This begins with the Parley AIR pledge.
AVOID plastics & emissions wherever possible
INTERCEPT plastic waste & pollutants
REDESIGN materials, methods & mindsets
“OUR STRATEGY TO END PLASTIC POLLUTION IS TO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AND ACCEPT THAT PLASTIC IS A DESIGN FAILURE.”
CYRILL GUTSCH — CEO & FOUNDER, PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS
Education For action
Explore the connection between plastic pollution and climate change, the crucial role of our oceans in this relationship, and the solutions that demand our focus.
Learn how plastics are made and it’s environmental impact
Centering Oceans in Climate Policy
A closer look at the oceans’ role as powerful carbon sinks
Innovations Driving the Material Revolution
Five solutions transforming the material world
Continue your learning journey by signing up for the Parley Education Platform and taking our Oceans 101 Course
TAKE ACTION
There’s strength in numbers but it starts with one. Read up, make noise, spread the word and give others the tools to do the same. This is the best way to drive world leaders to adopt policies that will slow climate change and help the oceans stay healthy so they can play their role.
Spread the worD
Utilize our social media assets that include facts and infographics to raise awareness for the connection between plastics and climate change. You can include additional information you learned on this platform and credit @parley / @sailgp and include #sailgpvsplastic.
Volunteer with us
Through collaborative cleanups ranging from beaches and rivers to remote islands and even underwater, our global teams rely on volunteers like you to make an impact week in, week out. Visit the Parley Australia page to register and learn about cleanups near you.
Ocean Uprise Toolkits
OU Toolkits are suitable for young people who want to take the first step into ocean activism, as well as more experienced ocean activists looking for more guidance. Download a manual that interests you and get started.
Parley ‘how-to’ AIR Guides
The Parley AIR Guides, developed by Parley for the Oceans, are resources designed to educate and empower individuals and organizations against marine plastic pollution. They offer practical steps, insights, and tools to help reduce plastic waste and promote ocean conservation.
Demand a strong Plastic Treaty
In March 2022, the UN Assembly in Nairobi addressed the global plastic crisis. In a landmark move, 175 nations agreed to develop a legally-binding treaty targeting plastic pollution. The debate centers on restricting corporations from producing plastic polymers, aiming for implementation by 2025.
SUpport our mission
Everyone can make a difference. 100% of every donation directly supports Parley ocean initiatives, education programs, new infrastructure and the implementation of the Parley AIR Strategy in coastal communities and ocean nations worldwide.
Activist Calendar
Additional events & activities will be regularly updated
SAIL GP x PARLEY
In 2021, Parley teamed up with the Australian SailGP Team to take the fight against marine plastic pollution and other ocean threats to a global audience through zero-emission racing, team actions and in-person events around the world. Over the course of the partnership so far, Parley and the crew – headed by Tom Slingsby – have set out to create changes ranging from the removal of single-use plastics to the use of clean energy. It’s all part of the team and league’s commitment to making SailGP a truly game-changing new global sport through zero-emission sailing and initiatives that see teams #RaceForTheFuture. The partnership is supported by WLTH.
“WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE OUR PLATFORM TO NOT ONLY EDUCATE AND INSPIRE A GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES, BUT ALSO TO WORK WITH AN INCREDIBLE WORLD-RENOWNED PARTNER IN PARLEY THAT CAN HELP PUT OUR VISION OF A GREENER FUTURE INTO ACTION.”
TOM SLINGSBY — AUSTRALIA SAILGP TEAM CEO & DRIVER
KEEP LEARNING
Parley AIR Guides
Steps we can all take at an individual level.
Brainfood
Parley recommended films, books & podcasts.
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