SAPPORO: G7 ministers from environment and climate reaffirmed to end new plastic pollution in their countries before 2040, disclosed by a statement released here on Sunday after talks were held in northern Japan.
The statement further maintained that they were committed to ending plastic pollution, aiming to bring down additional plastic pollution to a zero level by 2040.
France, Germany, Canada, EU and Britain are already part of a multi-national coalition that came up with the same commitment the previous year.
US, Italy, and Japan also Agreed Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040
However, this is the first time the remaining Group of Seven members comprising the US, Italy and Japan also become part of the 2040 commitment.
Environment Minister for Germany Steffi Lemke appreciated the new pledge of the bloc about plastic pollution and termed it as an “ambitious goal” at a press conference following the two-day discussion in Sapporo.
Meanwhile, the statement added that the purpose would be obtained by promoting sustainable consumption and production of plastics, enhancing their circularity in the economy, and environmentally proper waste management.
As per reports by the OECD group of developed countries, during the last 20 years, plastic waste has doubled globally, and only nine percent has been successfully recycled.
According to the UN, the volume of plastic entering the oceans will nearly triple by 2040.
