WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. SenatorsDan Sullivan (R-Alaska)Sheldon Whitehouse (D.R.I.The three main sponsors of the enacted legislationSave Our Seas 2.0 ActThe following joint statement was made by the United Nations Environment Assembly regarding formal negotiations to create a new international agreement against plastic pollution.
The approval of negotiations for a new international agreement on plastic pollution is a major victory in protecting our planet’s health and well being. We are pleased to see this important step forward in the global fight against marine debris and look forward to working with partner countries to achieve a final agreement.
Excessive plastic pollution continues to be a threat to coastal economies from New Jersey to Rhode Island and Alaska. We are committed to strengthening global cooperation so that the United States can help reduce plastic pollution and its effects on marine life. We value the input of all parties throughout the negotiation process.
The United Nations resolution made it clear that the decisions we make to fight global plastic pollution will not only affect specific communities, but they will also shape the planet for future generations.This crisis is real and there is a real chance to overcome it.
Over 175 representatives from more than 175 countries gathered in Nairobi for UNEA 5.2, a three-day assembly with the theme: Strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Assembly reached a global agreement on plastic pollution and addressed other urgent issues, such as the need for sustainable food systems or ensuring low-carbon recovery from COVID-19.
Get a copy the UNEA 5.2 decisionhere.
