EU steers global debate on environment and climate action at G20 meeting in Japan, focus on marine litter

Japanese G20 Presidency is bringing the fight against marine litter on the agenda as a major focus, proposing the adoption of a G20 Marine Plastic Litter Implementation Framework. As the first region in the world to introduce a comprehensive plastic strategy, and new rules to reduce the impact on the environment of certain single-use plastics products and fishing gear, the EU is well-positioned to lead the debate.  It is keen to ensure that the holistic approach pursued through the EU circular economy agenda and plastic strategy is reflected in the G20 outcomes, including on addressing marine plastic litter.

In discussions on resource efficiency, the EU will advocate the transition to a resource efficient, low-emissions, climate resilient and circular economy as the way forward, encouraging a more active G20 engagement to this end through the work of the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue.

Ministers will also discuss adaptation to climate change and resilient infrastructure, including ecosystem-based approaches. The EU will stress that investing in nature-based solutions can deliver additional benefits like better health, greater food security, more biodiversity, or new economic and job opportunities.

Additionally, ministers will discuss energy security and energy access, and the role of natural gas in light of current market conditions. As G20 countries collectively account for 81% of energy related CO2 emissions and 77% of global energy consumption, they play a key role in mitigating climate change. Given this importance, G20 plans to substantially contribute to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In the margins, Commissioners Arias Cañete and Vella will both meet Mr Yoshiaki Harada, Japanese Minister for Environment and Mr Hiroshige Seko, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, to exchange views on EU-Japan energy and environmental cooperation respectively. Finally, Commissioner Arias Cañete will also discuss bilateral cooperation both with Mr Ricardo de Aquino Salles, Brazilian Minister of Environment, and with Mr Fatih Dönmez, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye. discuss bilateral cooperation both with Mr Ricardo de Aquino Salles, Brazilian Minister of Environment, and with Mr Fatih Dönmez, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye.