My thanks to Minister Yamaguchi, Minister of the Environment of Japan, for leading the organization of this valuable event. My thanks to all other members of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency. A special welcome to Gerd Müller, the new Director General of UNIDO. We at UNEP look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with the new leadership.
Friends,
Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history, threatening the environment, society and the global economy – and of course the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
In less than half a century, about half of Earth’s forests have gone. One million animal and plant species face extinction. Two-thirds of our marine life is under threat from plastic pollution and overfishing. We have heard these numbers many times. Perhaps in repetition, they have lost their ability to shock. But they are shocking, nonetheless. They should send a shudder down every spine, because of what they represent: an ailing planet that cannot support the growing weight and appetite of humanity.
We have for too long operated a global economy that does not recognize how much we rely on biodiversity. For human health and well-being. For food and medicine. For climate resilience. For the health of the very economy that is destroying biodiversity.
Friends, businesses and governments must make a conscious decision to have a positive impact on nature through circularity.
Such a decision would not be philanthropy or a sacrifice for businesses. It’s a matter of survival. Particularly for agriculture, food and beverages, and construction – the sectors with the business models most dependent on nature.
A good starting point is for businesses and policymakers to account for their impacts and dependencies on nature. This will strengthen the case for a shift towards a circular economy in many economic sectors, including buildings and construction, mobility, plastics, textiles and fashion, and food. If this shift takes place, we take huge chunks out of greenhouse gas emissions, land and resource use, and pollution. We finally get on top of the triple planetary crisis.
This is something we must keep in the forefront of our minds when, later this year, we agree on the Global Biodiversity Framework – which cannot succeed without the full engagement of the sectors that drive biodiversity loss and their full readiness to shift to circularity.
Friends, the issue of circularity is particularly relevant today, at this UNEA, as nations are set to adopt a historic resolution on plastic pollution.
An international agreement, with legally binding provisions, is the only way to spark the action we need on the pervasive and growing problem of plastic pollution. So, gavelling the resolution to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee on plastic pollution will be a massive step forward.
I have spoken at length about what I see as the key components of this agreement. Circularity is high among them. Recycling. Eliminating products that are avoidable, unnecessary, or problematic. Designing products for reuse and ensuring their effective reuse. Removing hazardous additives in plastic products.
The right agreement on plastics pollution will make a massive difference to the triple planetary crisis – both directly and by showing the way for other sectors that need to shift to circularity.
Of course, we cannot wait for the agreement to come into force to step up action. Plastic pollution is pouring into our oceans every day. Governments and CEOs need to act now to safeguard the planet and their business models – including through initiatives such as the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
Friends, as the UN Secretary-General said last year when launching the Common Agenda, “Humanity faces a stark and urgent choice: breakdown or breakthrough.” Circularity offers a clear shot at one such breakthrough. Let’s not waste it.
Thank you.
