G20 agrees on international framework to reduce marine plastic pollution
- Agreement is voluntary and will rely on members coming up with solutions and reporting their own progress
The Group of 20 major economies agreed on Sunday to create an international framework that calls on members to take voluntary steps to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, one of the world’s most pressing environmental threats.
The agreement came after a two-day meeting of G20 environment and energy ministers at which discussions also focused on energy security after attacks on two oil tankers in the Middle East that sparked a surge in oil prices.
“Marine litter, especially marine plastic litter and microplastics, is a matter requiring urgent action given its adverse impacts on marine ecosystems, livelihoods, and industries including fisheries, tourism, and shipping, and potentially on human health,” said a communique issued after the meeting in the central Japan resort town of Karuizawa.
Japanese Environment Minister Yoshiaki Harada, who co-chaired the meeting, called the agreement a “major achievement” in the lead-up to a G20 leaders’ summit later this month.