15 July 2026
A Note from Jostedalsbreen
On dying glaciers and the conceit of controlling time
Read on Substack →
Ahmed Marhoon, PhD
Researcher and Writer
I work at the intersection of environmental science and policy, with a specific focus on plastic pollution. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, informed Norwegian policy discussions, and reached broader audiences through media and public talks. I also write narrative nonfiction essays weaving together identity, ecology, politics and history, which you can find on my Substack.
I'm particularly interested in the systemic drivers behind the unsustainable societies we live in, and how quantitative assessments can help reveal the institutional changes required for real transformation. Feel free to get in touch!
Latest essay
Featured research
Marine Plastic Ingestion Effect Factor for LCA
First global effect factor quantifying how plastic debris in the ocean damages marine biodiversity — making plastic ingestion measurable inside Life Cycle Assessment for the first time.
3.87×10⁻³
PAF·km³/kg
effect factor
effect factor
308
species
with field data
with field data
8
ocean
basins
basins
Publications
From plastics to planet: how Norway’s plastic cycle shapes future biodiversity under alternative intervention scenarios
First comprehensive material flow analysis of plastic at national scale in Norway. Traced flows across all sectors and identified key leakage points and intervention opportunities for circular economy policy. Test.
Developed a new characterisation factor for assessing environmental impact of microplastic ingestion, addressing a critical methodological gap in existing life cycle impact assessment.
Media & Writing
Education
PhD, Industrial Ecology — Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim
Thesis titled: “Quantifying the Norwegian Plastic Cycle and Its Impacts: Integrating Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment to Guide Policy”
MSc, Environmental Engineering — Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
TUM is one of Europe's best universities. Ranked 22nd worldwide according to QS World University Rankings 2026.