- hot-spots
- plastic pollution
- Switzerland
- Plastic pollution in Lake Geneva
Problems
The turquoise glory of Switzerland’s largest lake is less clean than it seems: a recent analysis by the Oceaneye group shows that Lake Geneva contains large quantities of plastic waste smaller than 20 centimeters. Samples taken in 2018 across 14 locations reveal a rate of 129g/km2 of plastic waste 1-20mm in size, with 14 million such particles floating in the Alps’ largest lake. The numbers put Lake Geneva firmly in the same category as bodies of water such as the Mediterranean. The global average for sea pollution is 160g/km2.
High levels of hazardous chemicals
The first-ever chemical analysis of plastic collected from beaches around Lake Geneva has detected cadmium, mercury, and lead – sometimes in very high concentrations that exceed the maximum permitted under EU law. The abundance of toxic chemicals that are now restricted or banned in plastic production reflects how old the plastic litter could be.
Solutions
Lake Clean Up
Author: Global Shapers - Geneva Hub
Every two months, the Geneva shapers get together to clean the shores of Leman Lake. Oftentimes, they partner with local associations such as Graduate Institute Water Initiative & Environmental Committee. Geneva shapers use an app developed by the Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman to track the type of trash and amount. Two sessions were held in September and late October: the team removed nearly 1000+ pieces of trash, mainly cigarette butts.
Source: https://globalshapersgeneva.org/projects-list/lake-clean-up
Gallery
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Timelines
2022
Ongoing cleanup activities, stricter regulations, and increased public participation lead to a noticeable reduction in plastic pollution in Lake Geneva. The collaboration between stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and local communities, helps create a more sustainable and plastic-free future for the lake.
2020
The global movement against plastic pollution gains momentum. More initiatives are implemented to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices. Governments, organizations, and communities around Lake Geneva intensify efforts to clean up plastic debris from the lake.
2018
Switzerland and France, the countries sharing Lake Geneva, sign the Plastic Pollution Charter, committing to taking action to reduce plastic pollution in the region.
2015
The United Nations launches the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a specific target (Goal 14.1) to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including plastic debris, by 2025.
2010
Plastic pollution in Lake Geneva becomes a prominent issue. Scientific studies highlight the extent of contamination and the adverse effects on wildlife and the environment. Efforts to reduce plastic waste, such as recycling campaigns and plastic bag bans, gain traction in the region.
2000
Public awareness about plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems grows. Environmental organizations and local communities start organizing cleanup events along the shores of Lake Geneva to address the issue.
1990
Plastic pollution continues to accumulate in Lake Geneva, primarily from urban runoff, littering, and improper waste disposal. Plastic bags, bottles, and other single-use items contribute significantly to the problem.
1980
Plastic pollution starts to emerge as a global environmental concern. The first reports of plastic debris in marine environments and freshwater bodies like Lake Geneva begin to surface. However, awareness and action to address the issue remain limited.