New Delhi
Representatives from 176 countries will meet in Ottawa, Canada, this week for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4). The goal is to develop an international, legally binding agreement to tackle plastic pollution, including marine pollution, by the end of 2024. This session follows the United Nations’ message on Earth Day, where UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the global impact of plastic pollution, stating that plastics know no borders and highlighting the need for a strong treaty to address the entire life cycle of plastics.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is hosting the session from April 23 to 29, with delegates from 174 countries attending. Greenpeace Canada sees the global treaty as an opportunity to stop the plastic pollution crisis at its source, urging governments to take responsibility for the environment, wildlife, and climate. Canada, the host nation, pointed out that plastic pollution costs more than $2 trillion annually, impacting local communities worldwide.
Although INC-4 is not expected to produce a final agreement, it’s a crucial step toward the final negotiating session (INC-5) in Korea later this year. Canada has already taken significant steps to combat plastic pollution, including domestic bans on harmful single-use plastics and initiatives like the Ocean Plastics Charter. As part of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Canada is committed to an ambitious global agreement to tackle plastic pollution by 2040.
