Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-566/

Available online: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:norden:org:diva-6180 A new report titled Possible elements of a new global agreement to prevent plastic pollution aims to develop global sustainability criteria for product design, providing the tools for governments to regulate national markets. Potential objectives and strategic goals are defined, a first structure for a potential new global agreement is outlined, and national implementation measures are identified to achieve the global goal of zero discharge of plastics into the environment. By addressing the issue at the design phase, all sources and pathways of marine plastic pollution can be addressed. Importantly, the existing weakness in the current framework on upstream and midstream activities of the plastics value chain can be addressed by providing robust national financial mechanisms that improve downstream activities in all countries.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-514/ The study identifies and elaborates options for the basic financial set-up and approaches to resource mobilisation and delivery that ensure an effective national and international operation and implementation of a global agreement on plastic pollution. Four key messages stand out: 1. The transition to a more circular global plastics economyprovides significant environmental, economic and social opportunities. 2. The current availability, mobilisation and provision of public and private financial resources is overall insufficient 3. Substantial contributions from business actors in the global plastics economy are needed to mobilise and provide sufficient financial resources. 4. An effective global agreement on plastic pollution can establish a legislative framework that stimulates necessary investments and that assists countries in mobilising and delivering financial resources.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-509/ The report elaborates on what sustainability criteria for plastic products may entail in a global agreement on plastic pollution. It proposes an analytical framework for sustainability criteria, situating them as the link between global objectives and implementation measures. It discusses how sustainability criteria may be incorporated in a global agreement and what operational measures can contribute to their fulfilment, emphasising that there is no one overarching criterion for sustainable production and consumption of plastic products. Rather, a range of criteria may collectively contribute towards more sustainable production, consumption, and management of plastic products throughout their lifecycle. The report further highlights the importance of considering risks of problem-shifting in the design and integration of sustainability criteria in a global agreement.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2021-519/ States are on the brink to start negotiations on a global agreement on plastic pollution. In this context, scientists, policymakers and stakeholders voiced requests for strengthening and improving the knowledge base. These requests often include demands for a scientific advisory mechanism or body that operates as two-way interface between science and policy and that informs policy- and decision-making in the global combat against plastic waste in the oceans and the need for a life cycle approach to marine plastic pollution that covers all stages in the plastics life cycle. The report makes the case for a global scientific mechanism on marine litter and microplastics and discusses the conditions to make it work effectively and to enable it to strengthen the global science and knowledge base on marine litter and microplastics.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2023-539/ The ‘Towards Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040’ report was commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers and developed by Systemiq and presents a set of 15 global policy interventions towards ending plastic pollution. If universally adopted and supported by a set of common global rules in the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution these could cut annual volumes of mismanaged plastic waste by 90% and virgin plastic use by 30% by 2040 relative to 2019 levels. Yet, the report highlights that more ambitious efforts are needed to align with the Paris Climate Agreement and holistically address plastic pollution.

Microplastics Pollution and Worldwide Policies on Plastic Use discusses microplastic pollution and global policies developed to tackle the problem. It details the mechanisms of microplastics occurrence, sources, and impacts. It then offers a comprehensive overview of the various policies created by specific countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa to address plastics use and minimize its effects. Describes microplastics pollution found worldwide in drinking water and food chains. Addresses policies implemented in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa and details local policies for various countries within each region, including requirements and penalties for non-compliance. Explains the mission and vision of global organizations such as the United Nations, G7, World Economic Forum, World Bank, and Lisbon Treaty. This book is aimed at academics, industrial professionals, policy makers, and general readers interested in the mitigation of microplastic pollution.