The three-day hybrid Assembly (which will be held in London) will feature over 170 national representatives and ministers of the environment.UNEA-5), which is meeting under the theme Strengthening Nature Actions to Reach Sustainable Development GoalsThis article focuses on the central role that nature plays in our lives as well as in sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.
With action A global binding agreement on plastic pollutionUNEA-5 participants are set to address a number of other pressing issues affecting the planet’s inhabitants, including the thematic area. Nature for climate; Nature for human and ecosystem health; Nature is the best resource for poverty elimination, jobs, and economic success; Nature for sustainable food systems.
UNEP/Cyril Villemain
Espen Barth Eide (Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment), is the current President for the UN Environment Assembly. He addresses the Assembly’s plenary session.
Espen Barth Eide is the President of UNEA-5, Norway’s Climate and Environment Minister RecognizedThe Assembly met in a time of extreme geopolitical turmoil and stated that it was essential to show that multilateral diplomacy can work in such times.
Multilateral action is crucial to tackle what he called the noble mission to eliminate plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has become a global epidemic. He explained that plastics are among the longest-lasting products we have made and that we often just throw them away.
Because plastic is a product that can easily be reused, Mr. Barth stated that it could be recycled if we made it a circular economy. I believe it is time to establish a legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution.
Inger Andersen is the Executive Director of UN Environment Programme ().UNEP), said: Over the last week, we have seen tremendous progress on negotiations towards an internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. I believe that once the Assembly endorses it, we will have something truly significant.
Ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution must track the lifespan of plastic products, from source to sea. This should include legal binding support to developing countries and strong monitoring mechanisms. Incentivizing all stakeholders, including the private sector, Ms. Andersen said.
UNEP/Cyril Villemain
Inger Andersen is the Executive Director of UN Environment Programme and addresses participants at the fifth session United Nations Environment Assembly.
The Assembly’s closing plenary meeting will determine whether plastic pollution will be resolved and what other urgent environmental issues will be addressed.
About the UN Environment Assembly
The UN Environment Assembly meets twice a year to determine priorities for global environment policies and develop international law decisions. Resolutions taken by member states at the Assembly also establish UNEP’s work. The pandemic caused Member States to agree on a two-step approach for UNEA-5. An online session will take place 22-23 February 2021 and an in-person session will take place 28 February to 2 March 2022.
