Plastics Pollution in the Gulf Countries

Plastics pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues humanity faces; its ever‐increasing production is overwhelming nations’ capacities to address the long‐term consequences, including the impact on ecosystems. Different policy approaches have been developed to minimize plastics consumption and pollution, especially with regard to packaging and the use of the materials in consumer goods. Kuwait and the Gulf countries generate considerable plastic waste but appear to lag regarding the implementation of public policies designed to mitigate the negative effects. Analysis of policy approaches to the plastics pollution issue in the Gulf is sparse. This article reviews the effect of plastic pollution in the Gulf countries and outlines some of the measures that could be put in place in Kuwait to create a more sustainable future for the ecosystems in the subregion. Using key stakeholder interviews and synthesizing governance and policy approaches, the authors develop an environmental policy integration framework for Kuwait. This harmonizes regulatory, market, and voluntary measures, including awareness campaigns, curriculum integration, public health initiatives, media campaigns, financing, community participation, sustainable development concepts, tax incentives, and environmental cleanup efforts

Consumption (sociology · Corporate governance · Environmental policy · Plastic pollution · Public policy · Stakeholder · Sustainable development · Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · Pollution