Helena Joyce
The state of coastal pollution varies across the globe. A study by MIT Technology Review ranked 66 coastal countries and territories based on their progress and commitment to protecting ocean sustainability. The study considered recycling efforts and beach litter density, with Taiwan, Germany, and Australia ranked the highest. South America received the lowest scores as a region, with Ghana, Cameroon, Angola, and Nigeria at the bottom of the index. In terms of plastic waste, Asia is the largest contributor, with 81% of ocean plastic emanating from the continent. The Philippines alone accounts for 36.4% of global plastic ocean trash, followed by India at 12.9%. China is the largest contributor to plastic waste on foreign beaches, with 2.6 million tonnes. While India is known for its diverse landscapes and coastal beaches, it faces critical levels of air pollution. In contrast, Taiwan ranks as the second least polluted country in 2025, with China also making strides in improving its air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the least coastal pollution | Taiwan |
| Country with the second least coastal pollution | Germany |
| Country with the third least coastal pollution | Australia |
| Country with the fourth least coastal pollution | United States |
| Country with the most coastal pollution | Ghana |
| Country with the second most coastal pollution | Cameroon |
| Country with the third most coastal pollution | Angola |
| Country with the fourth most coastal pollution | Nigeria |
| Country with the most polluted air | India |
| Country with the second most polluted air | Senegal |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste from rivers
Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans. It is estimated that 1000 rivers are responsible for nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions, with small urban rivers among the most polluting. These emissions range between 0.8 and 2.7 million metric tons per year. The remaining 20% of plastic emissions are distributed across 30,000 rivers.
The Philippines, an Asian island nation comprising approximately 1% of the global population, is responsible for 36.4% of the world's plastic ocean trash. Seven of the ten rivers that funnel the most plastic into the ocean are located in the Philippines. India contributes 12.9% of the world's plastic ocean trash. Together, the top five countries producing the most ocean plastic are in Asia and account for 69.8% of the world's plastic trash in oceans.
Several studies have attempted to estimate the amount of plastic, including microplastics and macroplastics, in rivers worldwide. The midpoint estimates for microplastics range from 31 kilotons to 2.31 million tons per year, while the range for macroplastics is 0.15 tons to 1 million tons per year. All estimates of riverine export are substantially lower than estimates of plastics entering the aquatic environment, which range from 19 to 23 million tons per year.
The presence of plastic in rivers poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Turtles, fish, sharks, and other vertebrates have been observed lethally stuck in plastic waste, primarily abandoned fishing gear. The toxic effects associated with microplastics include additive leaching, persistent organic pollutant (POP) transfer, and methane emissions. Furthermore, plastic garbage can block waterways, causing hygienic issues, and plastic-associated chemicals can contaminate drinking water sources.
To address plastic waste from rivers, it is crucial to focus on countries with mismanaged plastic waste and rivers that empty into the oceans. Local actions to reduce plastic inputs in urban coastal rivers can effectively decrease plastic export to the oceans. Monitoring plastics in rivers, even through simple methods like counting floating objects, can help evaluate the success of measures to reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, The Ocean Cleanup has developed Interceptor solutions, including the Interceptor™, to combat river plastic from entering the world's oceans.
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Beach litter density
Litter originates from the sea, through losses from vessels, and is deposited on the coast by winds, waves, and currents. It is also directly deposited on the coast by beach users or fly-tipping, and further inland in riverbanks, rivers, urban areas, and the countryside, which is then transported into the marine environment. Sewage infrastructures also discharge litter items directly or indirectly into the sea, which are then washed ashore.
OSPAR monitors litter on 100m stretches at over 70 beaches in the North-East Atlantic, recording 112 predefined litter items in 11 types: Plastic/polystyrene, Metal, Paper and Cardboard, Wood, Sanitary Waste, Cloth, Rubber, Glass, Pottery/Ceramics, Medical Waste, and Faeces. The most recent assessment of beach litter monitoring data, published in 2022, showed that beach litter levels remain high, with plastic items predominating.
The median beach litter total count in the OSPAR Area over the period from 2018 to 2020 was 252 items/100 m. To address this, OSPAR has set targets to reduce commonly found single-use plastic items and maritime-related plastic items on beaches by 50% by 2025 and by 75% by 2030, compared to a 2016 baseline.
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Air pollution
According to a report by the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, only seven countries in the world met safe air pollution levels in 2023. These countries were Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand. Finland, Iceland, and New Zealand are specifically noted for their clean air and impressive natural landscapes. Finland consistently ranks among the top countries for air quality, and its capital city, Helsinki, is known for its low pollution levels. New Zealand's low population and deep respect for the environment have helped keep pollution levels impressively low. Iceland's minimal industrial pollution and abundance of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal hot springs, contribute to its excellent air quality.
Other countries that are worth mentioning for their efforts to improve air quality include Taiwan, China, and the United States. Taiwan, known for its stunning mountains and tech innovation, has gained recognition for its clean air, with an average AQI of just 17 in 2025. China, once known for its rapid industrial growth, has made significant strides in reducing air pollution, and in 2025, it ranked as the third least polluted country. The United States, while facing criticism for its environmental policies, has made progress in improving air quality, with none of its cities ranking among the 500 most air-polluted cities globally.
Unfortunately, many countries are struggling with high levels of air pollution, particularly in South and Central Asia. Bangladesh is currently ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with levels over 15 times higher than the WHO PM2.5 annual guideline. India, with its rich culture and diverse landscapes, is facing growing concerns about air pollution and currently ranks as the most polluted country in 2025, with an average AQI of 155. Other countries facing challenges with air quality include Italy, Nepal, and Senegal.
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Waste management
While it is difficult to ascertain which country has the least coastal pollution, several sources suggest that the countries with the most coastal pollution are those with smaller land areas, longer coastlines, high rainfall, and inadequate waste management systems. Countries with poor waste management systems are more likely to wash plastics into the sea. For example, China generates 10 times the plastic waste that Malaysia does, but a smaller percentage of Malaysia's total plastic waste is estimated to reach the ocean compared to China's.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands with a 36,289-kilometer coastline, is estimated to contribute 36.4% of the world's plastic ocean trash. This is largely due to its 4,820 plastic-emitting rivers. Other countries with high levels of ocean plastic pollution include India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand. These countries often lack the infrastructure needed to process plastic waste effectively, leading to high levels of mismanaged plastic waste that escapes into the ocean.
In contrast, high-income countries like the United States, Japan, and those in Europe tend to have better waste management systems and recycling facilities. While they generate significant amounts of plastic waste, it is more likely to end up in landfills rather than the ocean. For example, the United States contributes only 0.2% of plastic trash in the oceans. However, even within high-income countries, there are disparities, with some communities lacking access to proper waste management and recycling services.
To address the issue of coastal pollution, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, reducing the use of plastic is essential, as lesser production will lead to lesser waste. This can be achieved through policy changes, such as banning single-use plastic bags, and promoting environmental sustainability. Secondly, improving waste management systems is crucial, especially in developing countries. This includes investing in infrastructure for storing garbage, recycling facilities, and educating communities about the threats of plastic pollution. Additionally, addressing the export and trade of plastic waste is important, as it contributes to the leakage of mismanaged plastic into the ocean. Finally, collective efforts from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals are needed to implement these strategies and reduce the impact of plastic pollution on our coasts and oceans.
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Marine activity
- Shipping and Freight: The movement of goods by sea is vital to global trade, but it can also lead to pollution. Oil spills and freight tanker accidents can release large quantities of oil and chemicals into the ocean, endangering marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, routine ship operations can contribute to pollution through the discharge of ballast water, which may contain invasive species and pollutants.
- Fishing and Aquaculture: Fishing activities can result in marine pollution through the use of non-biodegradable fishing gear, such as nets and lines, which can be lost or discarded at sea. These "ghost nets" continue to trap fish and marine animals, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Furthermore, aquaculture, or fish farming, can generate waste and chemical pollutants if not properly managed.
- Tourism and Recreation: Coastal areas are popular destinations for tourists, and marine-based tourism activities can impact pollution levels. Litter from beachgoers, cruise ships, and recreational boating can accumulate in coastal areas and eventually make their way into the ocean. Additionally, the construction of marinas, resorts, and other tourism infrastructure can disturb marine habitats and contribute to pollution.
- Marine Debris and Plastic Pollution: Marine activities can be a significant source of marine debris, particularly plastic pollution. Plastic waste from shipping, fishing, and tourism can end up in the ocean, affecting marine life and ecosystems. Plastic items can take hundreds of years to degrade and often break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine organisms and enter the food chain.
- Sustainable Marine Practices: There is a growing emphasis on implementing sustainable marine practices to reduce the impact of human activities on coastal pollution. This includes adopting circular economy principles, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling marine resources and waste. Additionally, the development of "blue innovation" technologies and policies that prioritize ocean health and sustainability is crucial.
- International Cooperation: Addressing coastal pollution from marine activity requires collaboration between nations. This includes establishing international agreements and regulations to manage and reduce marine pollution, as well as sharing best practices for sustainable marine resource management.
In conclusion, marine activity encompasses a range of human endeavours at sea, and it is essential to strike a balance between utilizing marine resources and preserving the health of coastal environments. By adopting sustainable practices, improving waste management, and prioritizing ocean health in policy-making, we can minimize the impact of marine activity on coastal pollution and ensure the long-term viability of marine ecosystems and industries.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2025, Taiwan ranked as the second least polluted country overall, with an average AQI of 17. China also secured a spot as the third least polluted country, with an average AQI of 17 as well.
Germany has been ranked highly for its recycling efforts and low beach litter density. The United States also contributes just 0.2% of the world's ocean plastic.
In 2025, India ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an average AQI of 155. The Philippines is responsible for 36.4% of the world's plastic ocean trash, with 7 of the 10 rivers that funnel the most plastic into the ocean located in the country. China is the largest contributor to ocean plastic waste, with over 2.6 million tonnes ending up on foreign beaches.
Mismanaged plastic waste and rivers that empty into oceans are the leading causes of plastic pollution in the oceans. Land-based plastic leakage and marine-going vessels are also significant contributors.
