There are some regulations partly addressing plastics and associated chemicals and numerous activities among policy-makers which we study.
We examine the current regulation of plastics and their associated chemicals at various policy levels — ranging from international to national and regional — by applying qualitative governance analysis. Based on our understanding of the current legal framework for plastic regulation, we develop specific policy recommendations aimed at effectively protecting the environment and human health against plastic pollution. Our research elaborates on comprehensive policy approaches that address the plastic crisis holistically, considering its close interconnection with the climate and biodiversity crises.
Jessica Stubenrauch reserearchgate
Projects:
The regulatory responses to microplastic are analysed in detail regarding legal and policy-oriented analysis of pollution at national, European Union (EU), and international levels, with a specific focus on South Africa. It provides an overview on the evolution of the legal frameworks governing microplastics, beginning with early non-binding soft law instruments and fragmented sectoral regulations. A qualitative governance analysis is used to examine the current regulatory framework at all political levels. This research highlights holistic policy approaches to effectively tackle the escalating plastic crisis. It explicitly examines the crisis in the context of its close interconnection with climate change and biodiversity loss.
Research team:
As part of the nanoINHALE cohort, Paula analyses how narratives and stakeholders shape the time, space and scale at which plastics in the environment are (not) discussed. Using Argumentative Discourse Analysis and Discursive Agency Approach, narratives are analysed at the interface of the national, supranational and international level to identify leading narratives and stakeholder (groups) framing the topic. Furthermore, Anran and Paula were involved in the project “Synthesizing Plastics: Helmholtz Expertise on Plastics Research and Policy Engagement (SPHERE)” addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution by consolidating and advancing knowledge on the end-of-life management of plastics. During a stakeholder workshop different actors from regulation, industry, NGOs, and academia came together to discuss challenges and opportunities related to current (political) developments in the field of plastics as well as visions for a sustainable future for plastics. One main outcome of the SPHERE project is the publication of a policy brief on plastic policy for a circular economy.
Research Team
Governance Futures and Community Engagement
Projects