May have taken a big step towards tackling global plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is increasing, both locally and globally. More plastic is being produced and we are using larger amounts of plastic in new ways in many different products. Much of the plastic ends up in the ocean and washes up on shore, also here in Norway, in bays, on islands, and along the entire Norwegian coast. The most visible plastic may not be the most dangerous. It is instead microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that come from plastic waste that breaks down in nature or that is released from packaging, containers, and textiles.

2,500 delegates from 170 countries attended the fourth session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee negotiations on a global plastic agreement, also known as INC-4, in Ottawa, Canada on April 23-29 this year. The outcome of this negotiating round was an advanced draft agreement text and concrete plans for further work towards INC-5. The goal is to sign a global plastic pollution agreement by the end of 2024.

– It is an ambitious goal, but this can be a major step towards combating the increasing plastic pollution that threatens our oceans and environment, says NORCE Sustainability Manager Lene Kristin Hansen, who participated in INC-4 on behalf of NORCE.

NORCE's North Atlantic Microplastic Centre (NAMC) has been working on the problem of microplastics since 2020. Through NAMC, we work to identify the sources of microplastic pollution, so that we can develop targeted measures to reduce emissions. We increase knowledge building and dissemination about environmental challenges related to micro- and nanoplastics, and how they affect both the environment and human health.

Plastic pollution is thus not only a local problem, it is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and action. To achieve sustainable goals, such as fighting global warming and preserving ecosystems, we must see the big picture. Microplastic pollution is part of this picture.