New Canada-Japan climate measures aim to curb three planetary crises
Canada and Japan announced a new, collaborative effort to tackle three of the globe's biggest issues affecting the environment: Plastic pollution, methane emissions and biodiversity loss.
Tackling the biggest climate problems affecting the planet will require all countries to work in unison, a strategy that has led to a new, joint effort from Canada and Japan.
A collaborative, multi-layered plan to address plastic pollution, methane emissions and biodiversity loss was formally announced on April 24 by the two countries. The measures were disclosed publicly at the third Canada–Japan Ministerial Dialogue on Climate and Environment, held in Paris, France, on April 24.
SEE ALSO: Double trouble: How one major environmental crisis is magnifying another
In the news release, Julie Dabrusin, Canada's environment minister, said the country's new plan to protect nature, A Force of Nature, boosts ecosystems, supports biodiversity and ensures that science-based solutions "guide our decisions."
(Getty Images/mbaysan/526594745-170667a)
“Canada is committed to leading on climate action and protecting nature at home and abroad to uphold our commitment to the Paris Agreement and keep the 1.5 C goal within reach," said Dabrusin.
"Partnerships with countries like Japan help turn these commitments into tangible results, tackling methane emissions, plastic pollution, and nature loss while building stronger, more resilient economies."
Efforts to tackle climate and biodiversity threats
As part of the event, the countries' environment ministers conversed about the vital need to maintain climate mitigation ambition and progress on incorporating the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, the federal government said. The pair also chatted about the necessary steps needed for developing an international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
Some of the issues that will be addressed by the two countries include:
Closer co-ordination to advance joint climate and environment objectives at the G7, G20, and COP31.
Collaboration on accelerating global methane mitigation efforts and keeping 1.5 C in reach by working closely together.
(Getty Images/Fahroni/2161721130-170667a)
A Canadian-hosted industry event in Tokyo later this year to share Canada’s experience with methane regulations in the oil and gas sector.
Enhanced bilateral co-operation on nature financing and in advance of COP17 toward strengthening the implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Japanese participation in the upcoming North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) meeting hosted by Canada in October to advance ocean science and shared conservation initiatives.
Greater technical co-operation and continued contribution of Canadian data to the Japan-led Atlas of Ocean Microplastics (AOMI).
Joint scientific research on microplastics in the North Pacific to address plastic pollution.
Japan remains steadfast in partnering with other countries, including Canada, on working to conclude preliminary negotiations on securing a convention on eliminating plastic pollution, according to its environment minister, Hirotaka Ishihara.
(NirutiStock/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus)
The country also recognizes the vital role of "leveraging synergies among measures" to successfully tackle the triple, planetary crises.
“Japan is committed to advancing climate action and protecting nature through international co-operation. Japan reaffirms the importance of pursuing climate change countermeasures, through international collaboration, to achieve the 1.5 C target of the Paris Agreement, while promoting the transition toward a nature-positive economy," said Ishihara, in the news release.
WATCH: Researchers discover method that converts plastic into jet fuel
Thumbnail courtesy of CANVA.
