Plastic pollution is a growing problem that affects our planet. It is estimated that there are over 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the world`s oceans, with more than 8 million tons of plastic being dumped into the ocean each year. To combat this problem, several international agreements have been put in place to address plastic pollution and its impacts on the environment.
The first international agreement on plastic pollution was the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the world`s oceans and their resources. Under the UNCLOS, countries are required to take measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from any source.
Another international agreement on plastic pollution is the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and aims to prevent the transfer of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries. It also addresses the issue of plastic waste by requiring countries to ensure that plastic waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is also working to address plastic pollution through several initiatives. One such initiative is the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, which brings together governments, industry, civil society, and academia to reduce marine litter and plastic pollution. The UNEP has also launched the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to mobilize governments, industry, and individuals to reduce plastic waste in the oceans.
In addition to these international agreements, several countries have taken steps to address plastic pollution on their own. For example, the European Union has banned single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and cotton buds from 2021. China has also launched a campaign to reduce plastic waste, including banning plastic bags in major cities.
In conclusion, plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue that requires international cooperation to address. The UNCLOS, Basel Convention, and initiatives by UNEP and individual countries are all necessary steps towards reducing plastic pollution and protecting our oceans and planet. As individuals, we can also take steps to reduce our plastic waste, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, and supporting companies that prioritize sustainable packaging.