Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the Plastic Pollution INC-4 conference in Canada next month. The event will take place in Ottawa from April 23 to 29. The goal is to contribute to global efforts aimed at reducing the manufacture and use of non-essential plastic products and to develop robust regulations on plastic waste. The conference, convened by the UN Environment Program, will focus on developing an international, legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution, including marine environments. The participation in the Plastic Pollution INC-4 conference reflects KSA’s effort to combat plastic pollution.
Concerns & Awareness
While Saudi Arabia does not advocate for an outright ban on plastic products, officials acknowledge the massive industrial and commercial over-reliance on plastics. This contributes to the world’s excessive production of non-biodegradable garbage. The UN reports that people dump about 2,000 trucks filled with plastic waste into the world’s oceans and lakes daily. Consequently, this causes harm to marine life and poses a threat to humans due to the presence of microplastics.
KSA’s effort to combat plastic pollution: Challenges & Solutions
Efforts to minimize plastic pollution include recycling, choosing reusable bottles, and adopting biodegradable utensils. However, despite these efforts, the amount of plastic waste continues to increase.
Faisal Al-Fadl, a UN-certified environmental monitor said that changing consumer behaviors and enforcing effective regulations are crucial steps in addressing the issue. Moreover, raising awareness about plastics’ environmental impact and promoting sustainable products are also essential.
KSA’s effort to combat plastic pollution: Promising Initiatives
KSA’s effort to combat plastic pollution has seen promising initiatives to combat plastic pollution such as deploying robots. For example, Red Sea Global has deployed a robot that can clean up to 3,000 square meters of coastline in an hour. Moreover, there is a great emphasis on sustainable solutions in industry conferences. For instance, last year, in Al-Khobar city, during the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association’s Plastics Conference, industry leaders emphasized the need of creating and implementing sustainable solutions that can aid in waste reduction.
However, effective regulations and alternatives to plastic products need to be readily available and affordable to consumers.
Environmental Impact & Economic Consequences
Plastic pollution poses significant threats to water quality, marine environments, and food systems. Marine animals often mistake plastic waste for food, leading to internal damage and death. Additionally, plastic waste releases toxic chemicals into water, further endangering marine life and ecosystems.
Besides, plastic trash has a substantial economic impact on marine ecosystems. Coastal communities that depend on fishing suffer from the environmental pollution it causes. The decline of marine habitats can ultimately result in substantial economic setbacks and the devastation of livelihoods within these localities.
Importance of Sustainable Development
Participation in conferences and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental protection is crucial for countries like Saudi Arabia. By actively contributing to these efforts, the burden of plastic waste on marine ecosystems can be alleviated, ensuring the preservation of marine life and livelihoods for future generations.
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