The Group of 20 (G-20) major economies said they agreed a deal to reduce plastic waste that is choking the seas at a meeting in Japan.
Under the agreement, G-20 member countries committed to reducing plastic waste but gave little detail on how that would be done. They added that the steps would be voluntary and progress would be reported once a year.
Plastic pollution has become a global concern, particularly after bans imposed by China and other countries on the import of plastic waste from overseas.
Many countries, including Japan, have seen their waste pile up as a consequence.
Microplastics have attracted particular attention.
They absorb harmful chemicals, accumulating inside fish, birds and other animals, and are difficult to collect once in the water.
The framework agreed at the meeting would be the first to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean involving emerging economies as well.
‘LEGALLY BINDING’ RULES NEEDED
Only an estimated 9% of plastics ever produced are recycled and campaigners say the only long-term solution to the plastic waste crisis is for companies to make less and consumers to use less.
Hiroaki Odachi of Greenpeace Japan said in a statement that legally binding international rules with clear timelines and goals are needed, similar to those in the Paris Agreement on climate, he added.
Japan will demand businesses charge for plastic shopping bags next year (2020) to help reduce waste, said Japanese industry minister Hiroshige Seko.
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Source: The Straits Times, 16 June 2019