Sir Molwyn Joseph makes call for scaled-up ambition to end plastic pollution

Sir Molwyn Joseph, the country’s Health Minister has proposed an eight-point strategy that he envisions will reinforce the commitment and accelerate the drive to end plastic pollution across the globe by 2040.

Sir Molwyn made these remarks at the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution Ministerial Meeting.

“Given our vulnerabilities to environmental threats, and distinct geographical circumstances, plastic pollution puts an added strain on our limited waste management capacity,” Sir Molwyn told his ministerial colleagues at the briefing event

“…We need to work towards the progressive elimination of the problematic polymers, chemicals, and additives which pose risks to human health and the environment,” another issue Sir Molwyn’s eight-point plan addressed.

He said “states must progressively work toward a globally harmonized system for labeling products, particularly including the disclosure of their contests. The coalition is seeking to craft a legally binding global treaty that will “establish common global rules, turn off the plastic tap and end plastic pollution by 2040,” he said

He said however, while this remains the primary objective of their overall effort, he expects them to remain assertive in their calls for effective and robust provisions to ensure the participation and implementation by developing countries and SIDS.

Antigua and Barbuda was the first Caribbean island to ban single-use plastic bags in 2016 and has continued to lead in its efforts to end plastic pollution, both nationally and through international coordination at the United Nations and other global efforts.

Vulnerable countries, like Antigua and Barbuda, are negatively impacted by this significant environmental threat despite contributing very little to it.