Exploring environmental, sustainability and planetary health dimensions

The 3rd edition of the interdisciplinary conference “Plastics & Environment”, organised by the University of Milano Bicocca, Research Centre POLARIS (Environmental Health and Sustainability), builds on the previous workshops held in Ravenna by the University of Bologna. It brings together experts to address key challenges related to environmental and socio-economic sustainability as well as the health implications of the “plastic world”. By involving scientists from several disciplines, covering chemical, biological, physical, social and economic sciences, the conference will explore the fields of monitoring and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics, their effects on ecosystems and human health, socio-cultural and educational strategies toward zero waste, the development of safe and sustainable materials, as well as degradation and mitigation approaches within the circular economy and bioeconomy frameworks. The final goal is to update on the frontiers in the different research areas, but at the same time to promote the cross-fertilisation of the scientific disciplines to better manage innovation and sustainability dimensions.