Public concern about,and desire for research into,the human health effects of marine plastic pollution: Results from a 15-country survey across Europe and Australia |
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| Institution: | 1. European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom;2. Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;3. Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;4. School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;5. College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom;6. Seascape Belgium, Brussels, Belgium;7. European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Secretariat, Ostend, Belgium;8. European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | Marine plastic pollution is caused by humans and has become ubiquitous in the marine environment. Despite the widely acknowledged ecological consequences, the scientific evidence regarding detrimental human health impacts is currently debated, and there is no substantive evidence surrounding public opinion with respect to marine plastic pollution and human health. Results from a 15-country survey (n = 15,179) found that both the European and Australian public were highly concerned about the potential human health impacts of marine plastic pollution, and strongly supported the funding of research which aims to better understand its health/wellbeing implications. Multi-level modelling revealed that these perceptions varied across socio-demographic factors (e.g. gender), political orientation, marine contact factors (e.g. marine occupation and engagement in coastal recreation activities) and personality traits (e.g. openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness). Quantifying attitudes, as well as understanding how individual-level differences shape risk perception will enable policy makers and communicators to develop more targeted communications and initiatives that target a reduction in marine plastic pollution. |
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| Keywords: | Marine plastic pollution Public perceptions Multi-country analysis Mediation analysis Oceans and Human Health Marine threats |
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