As part of the World Environment Day celebrations held on 5 June 2025, Prof. Suzan Oelofse, a principal researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), delivered an online guest lecture at the invitation of the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) Department of Geography. Her lecture focused on the global challenge of ending plastic pollution through local interventions and was aligned with this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

Drawing from her recently published paper, where she served as lead author, Prof. Oelofse provided a uniquely South African perspective on addressing plastic pollution and managing waste flows. She highlighted that tonnes of

plastic are produced globally each year, much of it single-use, which ends up in the environment, land and/or sea. “We are witnessing a growth rate of 2.8% per annum in plastic production, which could triple by 2060 if no action is taken to reduce it,” she says. But why does the problem persist and what can be done at a local level to protect the environment from plastic pollution? There are many reasons, including increased demand, weak enforcement, the way plastics are designed, our reliance on plastics, the belief that recycling alone can solve the problem and the shift by the fossil fuel industry towards plastics as global demand for oil decreases.

To help raise awareness that plastic pollution is a global issue affecting the environment and human health, Prof. Peter Schmitz from the university’s Department of Geography organised the virtual gathering, which was attended by academic staff, students and scholars.

In her talk, Prof. Oelofse shared top international and South African case study findings from the Pew Charitable Trusts' "Breaking the Plastic Wave" report, which looks at binding and voluntary approaches to ending plastic pollution. Research into the sources, impacts and possible solutions to the plastics is gaining momentum. “I am pleased that the CSIR’s research contributions in the fight against plastic pollution and the transition to a circular economy are being acknowledged and are finding value among the next generation of plastic pollution researchers at universities,” says Oelofse. “In this capacity, we can be confident that we are contributing to a body of knowledge that inspires academics and future researchers to have sustainability and a plastic pollution-free environment,” she adds.  

Oelofse also emphasised the leadership role of academics and researchers in questioning and innovating. A comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal, is being strongly advocated for by most countries currently involved in negotiating a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, although some areas of disagreement remain.

Because plastics negatively impact local economies, ecosystems and communities, addressing plastic pollution can benefit greatly from local actions, often more quickly than the lengthy processes involved in international treaty negotiations. Prof. Oelofse elaborated on localised actions ordinary citizens can take, such as organising community clean-ups and awareness campaigns, supporting plastic-free businesses, encouraging municipalities to improve waste infrastructure, and choosing biodegradable or reusable packaging where appropriate.

To move from awareness to action, Prof. Oelofse urged the online audience, “The plastic crisis is solvable—but it requires us to think globally, act locally and persist relentlessly. I implore you all to lead, question and innovate when it comes to turning the tide on plastic pollution in society.”