Tackling East Asia's New Environmental Challenge Marine Plastic Pollution

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the global marine ecosystem, according to a recent UN report. Southeast Asia and the broader East Asia region are facing the toughest challenge in this regard. There has been growing momentum in East Asia and the international community to look for solutions, evidenced by the inclusion of the issue in the agenda of G20 Summit in Japan this year. This policy report argues that the solution should be comprehensive and multi-sectoral – that includes not only reduction in the use of single-use plastic products but also better waste management, technological solutions, and sustainable economic models. The political will and collective action of East Asian countries can have a global impact through multilateral channels like the UN system and G20 Summit.