NEW G-20 FRAMEWORK ON MARINE PLASTIC WASTE

June 17, 2019

During the two-day ministerial meeting in Karuizawa, Japan, Group of 20 Environment Ministers agreed to adopt a new implementation framework for actions to tackle the issue of marine plastic waste on a global scale.

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Background: This comes in the aftermath of images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic sparking outrage with many countries banning plastic bags outright.
Earlier initiatives: The new framework is aimed at facilitating further concrete action on marine waste, though on a voluntary basis, after the G20 Hamburg Summit in Germany adopted the “G20 action plan on marine litter” in 2017.
Life-cycle approach: Under the new framework, G20 members will promote a comprehensive life-cycle approach to prevent and reduce plastic litter discharge to the oceans through various measures and international cooperation. They will also share best practices, promote innovation and boost scientific monitoring and analytical methodologies.
Way ahead: Japan plans to host the first meeting under the new framework this autumn when officials of environment ministers in the G20 countries are due to meet for the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue.