The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, along with various environmental organizations, urges the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive action in response to plastic pollution.
Background on INC-4 Negotiations
- The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) aims to develop an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including marine pollution.
- Date and Location: April 23-30, 2024, Ottawa, Canada.
- ASEAN delegates will be participating in the negotiations.
Delivery of Letter to ASEAN Secretariat
- On April 18, 2024, a letter signed by over 100 civil society organizations (CSOs) was delivered to the ASEAN Secretariat.
- The letter urges ASEAN to lead in the ongoing negotiations for a global instrument targeting plastic pollution.
Urgency and Environmental Impact
- The letter emphasizes the urgent need for action due to the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution.
- It highlights the disproportionate burden faced by Southeast Asian communities, including overflowing landfills and polluted waterways.
Key Points from the Letter
- The INC-4 negotiations are crucial for protecting the rights and well-being of people affected by plastic pollution.
- ASEAN leaders are urged to address policy gaps on waste dumping and push for greater accountability from northern governments.
- A robust international treaty with legally binding obligations on governments to reduce plastic production and consumption is advocated for.
Focus Areas for the Treaty
- Emphasis on the entire plastic lifecycle, including production, design, waste management, and recycling.
- Phasing out single-use plastic products is identified as a critical element to combat plastic pollution.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When is the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) scheduled to take place?
- A) April 18-23, 2024
- B) April 23-30, 2024
- C) May 1-7, 2024
- D) May 10-17, 2024
- Answer: B) April 23-30, 2024
- How many civil society organizations (CSOs) signed the letter delivered to the ASEAN Secretariat?
- A) Over 50 CSOs
- B) Over 75 CSOs
- C) Over 100 CSOs
- D) Over 125 CSOs
- Answer: C) Over 100 CSOs
- What is the main focus of the letter delivered to the ASEAN Secretariat?
- A) Calling for increased plastic production
- B) Urging ASEAN to take action on plastic pollution
- C) Promoting plastic incineration
- D) Supporting single-use plastic products
- Answer: B) Urging ASEAN to take action on plastic pollution
- According to the letter, what is a critical element of the global instrument to combat plastic pollution?
- A) Increasing plastic production
- B) Reducing plastic consumption
- C) Encouraging single-use plastic usage
- D) Ignoring waste management practices
- Answer: B) Reducing plastic consumption