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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 2M sign petition for global treaty on plastic pollution

2M sign petition for global treaty on plastic pollution

Published Dec 19, 2020 01:55 pm

Two million people across the world have signed a petition calling for an urgent establishment of a global treaty to address the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans.

"As the evidence of the damage to people and nature caused by plastic pollution continues to build, so too is public outrage about the plastic crisis. The message from the public is clearer than ever – we need decisive global action from the governments and business to address this problem at its roots," World Wide Fund (WWF) International global plastics policy manager Eirik Lindebjerg said in a statement.

"Two million people are calling for a binding global treaty that sets clear plastic pollution reduction targets and restores accountability as a vital measure to address this crisis," he added.

Lindebjerg also welcomed the support of 67 governments and more than 30 businesses for the establishment of the treaty and called on all United Nations (UN) member-states to respond to the clear message from the public. 

"We must urgently start the negotiation process," he said.

In October, a WWF delegation, including two members from the Philippines, attended a global technical meeting to look into the scale of plastic pollution and find ways on how to solve the crisis.

The Philippine government just this month publicly called for a global agreement, which was supported by other countries like Vietnam, Korea, Sri Lanka, including African countries, European Union member-states, Pacific Island states, and Latin American countries, WWF said.

The call has also been supported by 30 international businesses and a majority of experts from local and international non-government organizations. 

WWF noted that the final recommendations of the meeting will be submitted to the UN for its decision on the commencement of discussions for a new agreement.

WWF-Philippines executive director Joel Palma said it is also time for stakeholders to take immediate action to address plastic pollution globally. 

"Public outrage at the state of our environment is building. With two million people, 67 governments, and over 30 businesses calling for a binding global treaty to establish reduction targets and accountability, world leaders can no longer turn a blind eye to the problem," Palma said

"It is now time to begin negotiations between all UN member-states to address and solve this crisis," he added. - 

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