A new study finds that estimates of the scale of plastic pollution in the world's oceans has been vastly underestimated. The trillions of plastic particles weigh roughly 2.4 million metric tonnes and are doubling about every six years, according to a major new study. Renewed attempts to curb plastic production and consumption are vital it would appear.

The extent of marine pollution appears to have been under-estimated according to the 5 Gyres Institute, who argue that the rate of increase of global plastic pollution has rapidly increased in the recent past, such that there are now 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans. Furthermore, the argue that if there's not coordinated action, the level of plastic pollution will increase 2.6-fold by 2040.