LEVERAGING THE POWER OF SCIENCE, ADVOCACY, AND COMMUNITY TO DRIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic can be found in every corner of the globe. Plastics contaminate the environment, entangle countless marine and land animals, and are inextricably linked to the climate crisis, as plastics production is driving massive increases in fossil fuel infrastructure. Plastics even accumulate in our bodies, risking our very health. Unfortunately, even with the number of alarming studies and reports over the past few years on this issue, there continues to be an increase in plastic production. With direct links between the plastic crisis and the climate crisis, addressing plastic pollution globally must be a major environmental priority. 5 Gyres continues to lead with scientific research to drive upstream solutions through education, advocacy, and community building.