UN Resolution: One hundred and seventy countries pledge to reduce plastics by 2030

More than 4700 delegates from all around the world including scientists, environmentalists, business figures and ministers gathered at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi to take necessary steps against the increasing threats of single-use plastic.

After a 5 day discussion, one hundred and seventy countries have pledged to significantly reduce the use of throwaway plastics by 2030. However, the resolution is non-binding and an initial proposal of similar order was opposed by several nations.

UN Assembly president Siim Kisler stated that the environment is at a crucial junction and we need concrete commitments to curb the growing use of plastics and not verbose documents.

Over Eight million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year.

It is hard to find a single solution for all the states.

The UN Environment Assembly is the world’s top international environment body and the participating member states have signed for a series of commitments- including efforts to reduce food wastage and to consult with indigenous populations over the development of new regulations.

David Azoulay, from the Center for International Environment Law, has expressed his disappointment over nations like the US trying to sabotage the vision of a better environment.

Although not many references have made to address the issue of man-made global warming and several other setbacks like US, Cuba and Saudi Arabia blocking attempts to pledge an earlier date for cutting their use of plastic have occurred, this meeting has set the tone for the upcoming UN’s Climate Action Summit. 

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