Microplastics and the Media: Science, Storytelling and Social Change

Media images of wildlife entanglement and the so called 'Blue Planet 2' effect are widely assumed to have helped propel plastic pollution up the policy and public agenda. How might media shape public and policy perceptions of microplastics? Can media messaging support or under certain circumstances undermine solutions? How might audiences in the Global South engage with images and messages which are largely produced by and for the Global North?
This RSC lecture shares insights from interdisciplinary challenge-led fieldwork conducted in Eastern Nigeria, West Bali and East Java, as well as rural and urban areas of Spain, Germany and the UK (funded by NERC, GCRF, UKRI, Innovate UK). We will explore how social science led approaches to plastics pollution in everyday life can help identify solutions which are culturally appropriate and may lead to sustained behavioural change. Here we consider the social and culturally embedded context of plastics, how decisions are made in social networks and where cultural norms around waste practices might fit with being "a good citizen" or framed as ‘normal’ 'disgusting’, 'private' or 'public'.
Dr Lesley Henderson is Professor of Science Communication and was recruited under the Global Talent Programme to drive cross University interdisciplinary research. Since joining Strathclyde in 2022 she has set up the innovative doctoral training centre in Social Dimensions of Plastics: Communications, Behaviours and Social Change, partnering with Professor Paul Flowers (Psychology) sustainable business, NGOs and Innovate UK/NERC to train the next generation of interdisciplinary plastics pollution researchers and build a transformational hub of research capacity. She has also hosted an EARTH scholarship doctoral student (Australia, SGSAH/British Council) to explore gamification, plastics and behavioural change.
The Royal Society of Chemistry Edinburgh and South East Scotland local section are a local branch of volunteers united through their professional or education background within the chemical sciences through the Royal Society of Chemistry. The committee members span from students, university educators, teachers, industry and retired members and are always happy to hear from prospective members.
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