Second international symposium on plastics in the Arctic in Reykjavík

The “International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Region” continues into its second round: Today and tomorrow, on 22 and 23 November 2023, Reykjavík will welcome researchers, representatives of indigenous and local communities, stakeholders, representatives from tourism and business as well as decision-makers who will discuss solutions for combating plastic pollution in the Arctic based on the latest research results.

Following the successful first symposium on plastics in the Arctic and sub-Arctic in March 2021, which could only take place online due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Icelandic government has invited participants to a new exchange, this time at Harpa, Reykjavík’s concert hall and conference center.

The focus will include an assessment of the current extent and nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic and its impact on the various ecosystems and Arctic communities. The sources and transport routes of plastic waste, the particular challenges in Arctic waste management and the fight against plastic pollution are also topics that will be discussed. Building on the scientific basis of the first symposium, this year’s symposium will provide information and recommendations for decision-makers. Various educational projects to raise awareness will also be presented.

The fact that only two and a half years have passed since the first symposium until its second edition shows how urgent it is to define and take measures to stem the global flood of plastic. This is especially true for the Arctic, which seems to be the final destination for plastic waste.

The Icelandic government, which is organizing the symposium with the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers, has secured the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the UiT Arctic University of Norway, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and GRID Arendal as partners for the conference.

In another article, we will report on the latest developments.

Julia Hager, PolarJournal

Link to the symposium: https://www.arcticplastics.is/

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Conference on plastics in the Arctic: PolarJournal presented educational project

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At the 1st International Symposium on Plastic in the Arctic in early March, numerous scientists, decision-makers and other responsible parties shared research findings and new strategies to combat plastic pollution in the Arctic. PolarJournal and mountain2ocean presented their joint educational project.