This paper evaluates the environmental impacts of various facemasks available in the UAE market through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. SimaPro software was used to conduct a cradle-to-grave LCA with a functional unit of “the number of face masks required by a person in the UAE over a month (30 days).”. Long-distance transportation was found to be a major hotspot for global warming potential. N95 facemasks were found to have the highest impacts in all categories, with cloth masks having the lowest. Other hotspots identified include polypropylene material in filtration layers, aluminium in nosepieces, electricity usage in cloth masks, and disposal scenarios. Multiple supply chain optimisations were suggested, such as the substitution of recycled aluminium in nose pieces, the use of sustainable transportation, and limiting the use of packaging material to the bare minimum to improve the sustainability of the face mask industry.
It aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, aligning with FAO’s International Plan of Action. It strengthens fisheries governance, vessel monitoring, and regional cooperation to protect marine resources and livelihoods. The plan includes licensing regulations, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and stricter enforcement against IUU activities. It promotes sustainable fishing, marine biodiversity[…]
It promotes sustainable ocean management, marine biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. It aims to integrate scientific and traditional knowledge, enhance marine governance, and support a blue economy. The policy establishes marine protected areas, combats land and marine pollution (including plastic waste), and strengthens regulations on resource extraction. It aligns with international commitments such as the[…]
It aims to reduce marine pollution including plastic pollution through policy implementation, technological innovations, monitoring, and public awareness. It addresses land- and sea-based pollution sources, emphasizing circular economy principles and sustainable waste management. The plan aligns with international frameworks and includes 17 actions and 103 activities. Key strategies involve reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling systems,[…]
Ireland’s National Implementation Plan (2012) under the Stockholm Convention aims to control and eliminate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). It outlines legal measures to restrict the production, use, and release of POPs, including pesticides, industrial chemicals, and unintentional by-products like dioxins and furans. The plan enforces monitoring, regulatory compliance, waste disposal, and public awareness campaigns. Efforts[…]
It aims to prevent and manage hazardous waste effectively while minimizing environmental and health risks. The plan prioritizes waste reduction, improved collection, and increased self-sufficiency in hazardous waste treatment. Key strategies include regulatory enforcement, waste prevention programs, and public awareness campaigns. The plan also promotes alternatives to hazardous materials, better disposal facilities, and stricter monitoring[…]