Perceptions of plastics pollution in Sri Lanka and Vietnam

This interdisciplinary network will share knowledge and develop impactful research focused on the global issue of plastics pollution. Dr Henderson has experience of leading UK based research into public perceptions of (micro)plastics pollution and has identified how visual representations in media help frame the issue for different audiences. Under certain circumstances this can fuel ideas that the problem is of such a scale that there is little that the individual can do to bring about change. Conversely, images of wildlife entanglement can promote prosocial behavior and attitudes particularly amongst younger more environmentally orientated groups.

This project establishes an innovative interdisciplinary partnership between social sciences at Brunel and zoology and conservation at University of Perideniya, Sri Lanka as well as with colleagues in journalism and communication and environmental science and policy at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Humanities and Social Science and also the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science.