Cleaning the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch"

From Hoodline:

San Francisco has recently witnessed the return of two ships that ventured into the heart of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. To clean up the immense accumulation of plastics and other waste, the mission has now reached a pivotal point. 

According to ABC7 News, The Ocean Cleanup, led by its CEO Boyan Slat, has developed the necessary technology to start the cleanup process. However, what stands between this innovation and the daunting reality of the environmental crisis is funding—estimated to oscillate between $4 to $7.5 billion.

Boyan Slat emphasized the situation's urgency, stating, "Once that is secured, we can ramp this up in about two, three years and the clock starts running. We can clear up the patch in potentially just five years," as he told ABC7 News.

The Ocean Cleanup's journey began six years ago, with the organization setting sail with the ambition to develop technology to tackle this feat. They claim that the end of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—a massive environmental hazard—could be within grasp within a decade if the efforts are duly funded and applied.

In San Francisco, The Ocean Cleanup showcased the effectiveness of their System 03, which is instrumental in removing trash from the ocean gyres. 

Netting, AI-powered cameras, and computers ensure a selective collection that spares marine life while filtering out the pollutants. The fruits of this labor are seen in products like the glasses scientist Matthias Egger wore during his interview with ABC7 News, representing a circular economy that finds value in what was once considered mere oceanic refuse.

Meanwhile, The Ocean Cleanup's press release underscores a poignant moment of choice—we are now poised to potentially negate this blight on the marine environment. Still, the impetus must come from global collective action. "The removal of the GPGP could be achieved in 5 years at a cost of $4 billion," the organization stated, making a proposition that at once is daunting yet climactically hopeful. "The only missing thing is who will ensure this job gets done", said Boyan Slat.

Boyan Slat remains hopeful: "For humanity to thrive, we need to be able to be optimistic about the future. And I think if we can clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, this seemingly insurmountable thing, I think is going to be an inspiration for many people," as he shared his vision in an interview with ABC7 News..