At the conclusion of the G7 Summit on June 9, leaders released the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities in which they recognized the importance of the ocean to the global economy and the global climate system. The Governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union also announced an Ocean Plastics Charter and committed to more sustainable use and management of plastics and stopping their flow into the ocean. Susan Ruffo, managing director of international initiatives at Ocean Conservancy, made the following statement:

“In the Charlevoix Blueprint and Ocean Plastics Charter, Canada and members of the G7 have demonstrated a new level of leadership in the fight against plastic pollution in our ocean. With an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year, ocean plastic is a global and growing problem, and it will take not only leadership but significant innovation and resources to turn the tide. Our research has shown that to cut the amount of plastic entering the ocean in half, we will need to invest in waste collection and recycling systems around the world, and particularly in developing economies, while simultaneously rethinking and redesigning how we produce and use plastic in the first place. As acknowledged in the Charter, local governments, communities, and the private sector have important roles to play in these solutions. Canada clearly understands that the G7 is well-positioned to catalyze and support these important efforts,  and Ocean Conservancy applauds its vision and leadership, as evidenced by Prime Minister Trudeau’s commitment to invest $100 million to eliminate plastic pollution in the ocean. We look forward to the forthcoming meeting of the G7 Ministers of Environment and learning more about these initiatives.”

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Ocean Conservancy experts are available for comment.

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.