Uruguay in collaboration with Norway and Rwanda as the Co-Chairs of the Coalition, invite to a webinar titled Eliminate and restrict hazardous chemicals and intentionally added microplastics with speakers from Government, Scientists, Civil Society, Business and experts.

The webinar will take place on 3 April at 2 p.m. CET.

Registration: HERE

Programme

Introduction to the High Ambition Coalition and webinar theme by HAC representative

Panel discussion:

• Gabriela Medina, Director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre and Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean
• Ayub Macharia, Director, Environmental Education and Awareness Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Kenya
• Marina Fernandez, PhD. Researcher, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
• Beatriz Sierra, Tricyclos
• Vito Buonsante, Policy Advisor, International Pollutants Elimination Network

Q & A with Audience

Moderator: David Toovey, Communications Advisor, Ministry of Environment of Rwanda

Background

The High Ambition Coalition is working is working towards an international treaty that will eliminate problematic plastics, substances and additives, including by bans and restrictions.

Certain polymers and chemicals used in plastics (such as softeners or colourants) have long term adverse effects on human health and the environment and/or create barriers for the recycling of plastic waste. Also, certain plastic products are particularly prone to littering and plastic pollution due to the way in which they are intended to be used. A number of legislative initiatives around the world have introduced bans or restrictions on such plastic products.

The Co-Chairs of the High Ambition Coalition have presented options that each Party should be required to eliminate and restrict the production and use of polymers, chemicals and plastic products listed in an annex, with related non-party trade measures. The treaty should set criteria for identifying polymers, chemicals of concern and plastic products. The criteria could be polymers, chemicals and products harmful to the environment and human health, impeding circularity and the risk of release to the environment.

This event provides opportunities for Member States and stakeholders to discuss possible options for core obligations and control measures in the plastics treaty with a focus on provisions to eliminate hazardous chemicals and intentionally added microplastics in plastics products.

Recording of the event