A disturbing new weather forecast has been created by Minderoo Foundation and M&C Saatchi to make fossil-fuel plastics history. 

Plastic production is devastating our planet, and is set to triple by 2060. So, Minderoo Foundation and M&C Saatchi Australia have measured plastic in rain to create a new weather metric informing the public how much plastic will fall from the sky on any given day, launching it in Paris ahead of next week’s second session of negotiations (INC-2) of the UN’s Plastic Treaty at UNESCO headquarters. 

The Plastic Forecast, developed with the help of scientists at Minderoo Foundation, combines research on atmospheric plastic with daily weather forecasts to estimate the daily ‘plastic fall’ in an easy-to-understand weather report for Paris. The science was brought to life by supporting partner, Collider, which created a suite of 3D plastic clouds that react to the live weather data.

Dr Tony Worby, director of the Planet Portfolio at Minderoo Foundation, describes The Plastic Forecast as a lightbulb moment for every individual who cares about human and environmental health.

"Because many plastic particles are so tiny, you cannot always see the plastic waste and pollution that plague this planet. The Plastic Forecast highlights this fact and will undoubtedly strike a chord with the general public. We believe this will be a powerful tool moving forward to generate widespread public support for an ambitious plastics treaty that puts a stop to unsustainable plastic production."

“This is our once in a lifetime chance to change the Plastic Forecast,” said Tony. “We need to reduce virgin fossil fuel plastic production, and the UN Plastic Treaty can do that.” 

In the lead up to INC-2, The Plastic Forecast will be hitting the streets of Paris, showing up next to weather reports, across social media and in the news - directing viewers to plasticforecast.com. The site will provide live updates on the weight of plastic falling on them that day, with weekly, monthly and yearly figures available. 

M&C Saatchi executive creative director, Emma Robbins, said: “Working with Minderoo on an idea that could help change how much plastic the world produces has been an amazing moment for everyone who’s helped shape it. If it sparks a reaction, fuels a conversation and ultimately influences the treaty then we’ve not just created an idea in the world, we’ve created some hope in the world too. And that’s the kind of work you want to get up every day and do.”

The Plastic Forecast is rolling out across Paris now, with more major cities to come.