Topic: Environmental pollution; Disaster management
6) “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” is a misnomer term, given the complexity of the problem. Comment. Also, discuss its effects on marine and human life. (250 Words)
Why this question
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GBGP) is located about halfway between Hawaii and California. It’s the largest accumulation zone for ocean plastics on Earth. It has a lot of negative effects on Marine and human life. Also, the problem looks more simple than it is because of photodegradation of plastics. The issue is related to GS-1 syllabus add the following heading – geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
It’s also related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading- Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and disaster management.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to discuss, what is the great Pacific garbage patch and come out with reasons that why the term is a misnomer. We also have to discuss its effects on marine life and also on human life.
Directive word
Comment- we have to describe the great Pacific garbage patch, its nature, location, contents, and other features. Then we have to bring out with reasons that why the term is a misnomer. We have to put arguments in its favor.
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the possible effects on marine life and on human life.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in such kind of questions, you can introduce your answer by directly introducing the concept/ term in one or two lines and then elaborate it further in the body.
Body- in one part, bring out a complete description of the Great Pacific garbage patch like its location, size, contents, age (history), current status etc.
In the other part discuss why the term is a misnomer by mentioning photodegradation and dissolution of plastic particles.
In the third part, discuss in points its effects on marine life. And then discuss its effects on human life.
Conclusion – in conclusion, discuss briefly in one or two lines about the clean-up procedure and efforts required.
