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Arin & Arisa Thongtang
Oct 222 min read

The Hidden Threat of Plastics: A Global Health and Environmental Crisis

Did you know that one out of every six deaths worldwide in 2018 was caused by cancer? Cancer has risen to become the second leading cause of death globally and is increasingly prevalent among younger people. Imbalanced lifestyles, such as poor diets, lack of exercise, and genetic predispositions, are major contributors to cancer. Another factor worth mentioning is the changes in our lifestyle, particularly the increased use of plastic. Daily items like food containers and packaging introduce microplastics, which are ingested by both humans and animals. The evidence is clear: dead whales, sea turtles, and even fish have been found with stomachs full of plastic. Microplastics are now present in the food chain. Research in the U.S. has found hundreds of thousands of "nano plastics" in just one liter of water. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, styrene monomers found in Styrofoam can cause cancer in humans. Dioxins, which are highly toxic, can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and also cause cancer.


People should be more aware of the dangers of plastic, and governments should educate the public on microplastics and their potential impact on health and the environment. Statistically, an individual uses 1.8 pieces of foam and plastic containers per day. With a global population of around 7 billion, this results in more than 1 trillion pieces of foam and plastic waste generated each day. In Thailand alone, more than 100 million pieces of foam and plastic waste are produced daily. These materials are highly durable, with plastic taking 450 years to decay, and foam potentially never breaking down. Unsurprisingly, Styrofoam products fill 30% of the world's landfills, where they harm animals scavenging for food. Even worse, the production of Styrofoam and plastic releases large amounts of ozone into the atmosphere, exacerbating environmental issues, while the incineration of plastic creates billions of tons of greenhouse gases.


In conclusion, plastic literacy is crucial for our safety and environmental health. At the very least, we should be aware of which plastics are better suited for individual and environmental use. The difference between degradable and biodegradable plastic is that the former breaks down through chemical reactions, often creating microplastics, while the latter disintegrates into all-natural components, leaving no microplastics or toxicity in the soil. On a broader scale, strong cooperation, stringent regulations, and even law enforcement are needed to address this issue. To reduce plastic pollution, proactive measures such as the ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam introduced by Lagos State in Nigeria, home to approximately 21 million people, are worth noting.

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Koh Phi Phi 

Paradise lost

In recent years, there has been a remarkable resurgence of sea life around the Phi Phi Islands, situated in Thailand. Notably, the return of sea creatures such as reef sharks and ghost crabs to the area has been a cause for celebration among marine enthusiasts and conservationists. This resurgence can be attributed in part to the dedicated efforts of marine officials who planted an impressive 23,000 corals in the region in 2021.

The Phi Phi Islands have long been a popular destination for tourists, and their fame received an extra boost from the 2000 movie 'The Beach,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This film showcased the islands' stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes, capturing the imagination of travelers from around the world. As a result, it ignited a spark of interest in the Phi Phi Islands, making them a must-visit destination for those seeking a picturesque and adventure-filled escape.

To a certain extent, the thriving tourism industry in the Phi Phi Islands has encountered sustainability challenges stemming from the very visitors it attracts. The sheer volume of tourists frequenting the islands has led to a concerning environmental impact. On a daily basis, these visitors generate a staggering 25 to 40 tonnes of waste, which is often inadequately managed and ends up polluting the pristine landscapes of the islands.

The pollution problem extends beyond just waste disposal. The coral reefs, which are critical to the ecological health of the region and are being actively restored through coral planting initiatives, face damage from various sources. The propellers of boat motors, often driven too close to the fragile coral ecosystems, can cause physical harm. Similarly, tourists themselves, while swimming or snorkeling, can inadvertently harm the corals through physical contact or by standing on them.

Furthermore, a concerning practice seen in some cases is the burning of trash or the disposal of garbage directly into the water. Such actions not only mar the natural beauty of the Phi Phi Islands but also threaten the marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.

Addressing these sustainability challenges is a crucial task for both local authorities and the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism practices, responsible waste management, and heightened environmental awareness among tourists are essential steps toward preserving the delicate ecosystems of the Phi Phi Islands and ensuring they remain a breathtaking destination for generations to come.

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Koh Phi Phi

Climate Change

UUn

From Polar Ice Melting to Human Impact

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon characterized by a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns. It is primarily driven by a variety of factors, including natural processes and human activities.

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One significant aspect of climate change is the decrease in sea ice in polar regions. The Earth's polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, primarily due to the increase in global temperatures. This melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal erosion, increased flooding, and the displacement of communities living in vulnerable coastal areas.

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Human activities play a major role in exacerbating climate change. The expansion of factories and industrialization has led to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect that raises global temperatures. The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and manufacturing processes is a significant source of these emissions.

 

Dense populations in urban areas also contribute to climate change. Concentrated populations require more resources and energy to support their daily needs, leading to higher emissions of greenhouse gases. This includes the energy required for heating, cooling, transportation, and the production of goods and services for a large number of people.

 

Wasteful energy practices further exacerbate climate change. Inefficient use of energy resources not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also puts additional strain on natural resources. Energy conservation and the transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources are crucial steps in mitigating the effects of climate change.

 

In summary, climate change is a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns, driven by various factors, including human activities such as industrialization, the burning of fossil fuels, and inefficient energy use.

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Understanding and addressing these factors are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and working towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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