MANILA – The government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to combat the growing problem of plastic pollution, using science and technology as the basis for solutions.
According to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, their government aims to have global cooperation to find sustainable solutions to plastic waste. “Japan supports the provision of equipment and human resource development for marine environmental monitoring related to plastic pollution,” according to Ambassador Endo Kazuya.
He added that the development and dissemination of marine monitoring and recycling technologies are essential for effectively combating marine plastic pollution, including through the implementation of a possible future treaty. He also mentioned the importance of nuclear science and technology in addressing global challenges such as plastic waste.
He said that scientific tools can help in providing accurate data on pollution levels and in improving recycling and reuse systems. To completely solve the problem, a strong international framework is needed through global cooperation.
According to a 2021 World Bank report, the Philippines is the third largest contributor to plastic pollution, with an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic ending up in the oceans each year. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. boasted of the country's move to use nuclear science to produce durable and commercially viable construction materials from plastic waste.
