Editor's Note: A series of major events - the Two Sessions and the Boao Forum for Asia - held in China have been under the spotlight. Among all topics discussed, environmental protection is one of the most important ones. Climate change, ocean pollution, plastic pollution, food waste... We are experiencing these environmental problems. Which ones are most concerned by the public? Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, and Marcus Eriksen, co-founder of the 5 Gyres institute, shared their views.

Roughly 170 trillion plastic particles are afloat in the world's oceans, according to a research paper recently published. Most of them are microplastics, plastic less than 5 milimeters. These particles are described as plastic smog and each one can carry toxins. 

Why should we be concerned about plastics or even microplastics? What are some possible solutions to end plastic pollution? CGTN Nature talked to Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, and Marcus Eriksen, co-founder of the 5 Gyres institute. They shared some inspiring thoughts in addressing this problem.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yu Peng; Video edited by CGTN's Xu Wen.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)