G20 set to agree on ways to reduce growing problem of plastics in oceans
- Greenpeace Japan calls deal ‘first step’ toward tackling huge threat to marine life
- China is targeting single-use plastic, setting off research and production of biodegradable alternatives
The Group of 20 major economies was set to agree a deal on reducing marine plastic waste at a meeting in Japan Sunday where they also discussed energy security following the oil tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman.
Japan “proposed a workable framework” on marine plastic waste that involves emerging and less developed countries, and was welcomed by member countries, environment minister Yoshiaki Harada told reporters late Saturday at the G20 environment and energy ministers’ meeting.
Plastic pollution has become an increasing international concern, particularly after bans imposed by China and other countries on the import of plastic waste from overseas.
Many countries, including Japan, have seen plastic waste pile up in the wake of the ban.
Meanwhile, countries are trying to reduce their reliance on plastics, switching to greener alternatives. In China, for example, companies have been ramping up biodegradable plastics – made for example from corn and sugar cane – as government targets single-use plastic packaging, including bags and cutlery.
