A roadmap towards a circular plastics economy
The science is clear that we must end plastic pollution. Plastic production and consumption has soared since the 1950s. Marine plastic pollution has soared with it: increasing tenfold since 1980. Such pollution is lethal for many species.
Plastic production and consumption has soared since the 1950s. Marine plastic pollution has soared with it: increasing tenfold since 1980. Such pollution is lethal for many species. Very likely harmful to humans. Alters carbon cycling through its effect on plankton. Contributes to climate change. And this is by no means an exhaustive list.
But we now have the mandate to use plastics wisely and end its harmful side-effect: through the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution calling for an agreement that ends plastic pollution. The intergovernmental negotiating committee tasked with negotiating this agreement will meet for the first time in late November, in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
We have two years to finalize the instrument. We need to give this process backing at the highest political-level and put resources behind it. In this regard, the High Ambition Coalition is timely. I welcome its launch and appreciate the work of the co-chairs: the governments of Rwanda and Norway.
