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Second G20 Environment Deputies Meeting (EDM)

The second of the five meetings of the G20 Environment Deputies took place virtually on 28 April 2021 to prepare the G20 Summit of the Ministries of the Environment on 22 July 2021 on two further topics proposed by Italian G20 Presidency: “oceans and seas” and “marine litter”, with specific reference to marine plastic litter.

April 30th, 2021

Second G20 Environment Deputies Meeting (EDM)

The second of the five meetings of the G20 Environment Deputies took place virtually on 28 April 2021 to prepare the G20 Summit of the Ministries of the Environment on 22 July 2021 on two further topics proposed by Italian G20 Presidency: “oceans and seas” and “marine litter”, with specific reference to marine plastic litter.

Oceans and Seas

The importance of oceans and seas is crucial not only because they cover most of the Earth’s surface (more than 70%), but also because of their key role in regulating the climate and mitigating temperature variations while serving as a critically important carbon sink through ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses. It is well known that seas absorb as much as 90% of the additional heat that carbon emissions deriving from human activities have trapped in our atmosphere.

All of the main studies carried out by relevant scientists globally, launch an alarm on the effects of climate change on oceans and seas that lead to sea level rise, ocean acidification, deoxygenation and increase in sea temperatures. As concerns the loss of marine biodiversity, among the main causes are: unsustainable fisheries leading to the overexploitation of marine resources, the introduction of invasive alien species and, above all, marine and coastal pollution deriving from human activities. In this framework, discussions during the second Environment Deputies meeting group, regarded, inter alia, the following main themes:

  • G20 contribution to the ambitious target of achieving the effective protection of at least 30% of the global oceans by 2030, through promoting the identification and implementation of effective conservation measures;
  • adoption of a coordinated approach at regional level (regional conventions and organizations, such as regional fisheries management organizations – RFMOs) as effective instruments to identify and implement concrete measures to achieve the goal of protecting 30 % of the global oceans (30by30);
  • potential G20 support to a timely finalization of the BBNJ agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as key instrument of conservation and concrete response to the aforementioned 30by30 goal.

Marine plastic litter

The marine plastic litter and microplastic pollution issue has reached levels of high concern, representing a serious risk for ecosystems and human health. Estimates are that 150 million tons of plastic waste are circulating in the marine environment today and around 8 million tons of plastic waste are leaking into the oceans every year. Microplastic pollution is particularly alarming as these particles are ingested by a wide range of aquatic organisms, having the potential to accumulate through the food chain. Given the complexity of the problem, discussions were centered on the analysis of a series of possible integrated management strategies which included, inter alia:

  • establishing regional marine litter databases to identify local land-based sources of litter;
  • prevention of marine litter (e.g., through separate collection and recycling of plastic waste and creating a circular economy);
  • adequate legislation;
  • enhancement of public awareness.

From the discussions it emerged that investing in the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems is a useful option of “blue stimulus” also for the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Such investments are particularly relevant inasmuch as they can provide economic, social and health benefits for local communities and the economic sectors involved. This issue will be dealt with thoroughly at the third G20 Environment Deputies meeting dedicated to “Green finance”, which will take place on 28 May 2021.