Worldwide impact of the Massive Open Online Course on Marine Litter

Marine litter and plastic pollution are a worldwide growing problem that needs global action. Marine litter has been recognized in Sustainable Development Goal 14, and its targets and indicators. On the 2nd of March 2022, Heads of State, Environment Ministers, and representatives from 175 countries endorsed a resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly (“UNEA- 5”) in Nairobi to negotiate an international legally binding agreement to “end plastic pollution” by the end of 2024 (the “UNEA Resolution”). With the new resolution in place there is an urgent need to reduce and further prevent plastic pollution, and awareness amongst all stakeholders is key. Part of awareness raising is the need to educate people before they engage in meaningful actions to combat plastic pollution that have impact. Several studies indicate that educational level in general and knowledge on the topic is a factor in engaging people into action.