Even if we immediately focus on incremental steps, the NGO Major Group stresses that we will only solve the overall pollution with major systems change, including the internalisation of environmental costs in the price and phasing out excess consumerism. Raising awareness about drivers for pollution and involving youth and other stakeholders in finding solutions is key.
In all we do, it remains paramount to balance power relations and promote environmental justice in international decision-making processes addressing pollution, to ensure that an undue burden is not placed on poorer countries and marginalised communities across the world. These commitments are already established in the principles of the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development, Article 8 and 9 of Paris Agreement, and in the foundation of the interlinked and universal 17 SDGs and should be maintained.
This statement has been prepared as preparation for the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 3), to be held from 4-6 December 2017 in Nairobi.
Souce: NGOs Major Group