A study has discovered there is less plastic littering the ocean than scientists previously thought, but what is there could persist for a long time.
The study estimated that more than 95 per cent of plastic floating on the ocean are pieces bigger than 2.5cm.
Most plastic particles in the ocean are very small and the total mass of these microplastics, which are defined as less than 0.5cm, is relatively low.
The greater number of larger floating pieces suggests that the total amount of plastic in the ocean is "much lower" than was thought, according to the study published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Plastic pollution in the ocean has been estimated at more than 25 million tonnes, with a quarter of a million tonnes floating on the surface.
But the study said that the amount of plastic on the ocean surface is much higher, at about three million tonnes.
That the plastic is floating around in large pieces could help with clean-up efforts.
"Large, floating pieces on the surface are easier to clean up than microplastics," the study's co-author Erik van Sebille, of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, said in a statement.
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The results are based on a 3D model of the ocean using a huge amount of observational data and measurements taken from surface water, beaches and the deep ocean from 1980 to 2020.
The model also found that less new plastic finds its way to the ocean every year than previously thought – about half a million tonnes instead of between four and 12 million tonnes – coming largely from coastlines and fishing activity.
But the combination of more surface plastic and less new plastic suggests that the litter will probably remain in the ocean for much longer than previously believed.
"It means that it will take longer until the effects of measures to combat plastic waste will be visible," said the study's lead, Mikael Kaandorp.
"If we don't take action now, the effects will be felt for much longer."
And the amount of plastic pollution in the world's oceans is still growing.
Without further mitigation and cleaning up, the lingering litter could double within two decades, according to the study's authors.
Concern over the effects of plastics on the environment and human well-being has surged in recent years.
Plastic debris is estimated to kill more than a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals a year, according to the UN Environment Programme.
The study comes as the world awaits the first draft of a highly anticipated international UN treaty to combat plastic pollution, which is expected in November.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
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Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TOUCH RULES
Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.
Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.
Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.
A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.
After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.
At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.
A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.
The bio
Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions
School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira
Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk
Dream City: San Francisco
Hometown: Dubai
City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala
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Directed by: Anthony Mandler
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3/5
