Global plastic pollution, sustainable development, and plastic justice

• Plastic pollution (including macro, micro, and nanoplastic) is deleterious to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs, though there are few observed indicators that can help us monitor progress. • There are shifting contours in the global plastic waste trade industry that are changing the main actors and increasing the need for regulatory oversight; North-South dynamics are instrumental but local policy development is important. • A global and holistic approach to the entire lifecycle of plastics is needed in support of the sustainable development agenda; however, many research gaps need filling. • Plastic pollution is a human rights and environmental justice issue; “plastic justice” can…