Norwegian solutions in a sea of plastic

During Arendalsuka, representatives from the Norwegian government, private sector and civil society actors met to discuss how Norwegian solutions can contribute to tackle the global marine litter challenge.

During the last years plastics in the oceans have increasingly gained attention and caused outrage around the world. According to the latest calculations, global plastics production has reached 335 million metric tons in 2016. The damage that plastics have on the ocean’s health is massive. 

But where does all the plastic come from and how can we stop litter from entering the oceans in the first place? The answer to these questions, in short, is waste management – on land and at sea. Around the world, there are 2 billion people living without access to solid waste collection. It has been estimated that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year due to poor management of solid waste on land. To this constant and increasing input from land we need to add the amount being released directly from sea-based activities like fishing and shipping. Releases at sea are linked to gear and cargo losses, and also dumping. Stopping the inflow would therefore need sound waste management throughout all human activities.

 “There is a fine line between depression and inspiration” said Kristal Ambrose, Founder and Director of Bahamas Plastic Movement. “We have a long way to go, but for us to solve the issue we have to turn off the tap.”

In Norway the government is at the forefront of international efforts to combat marine litter and to ensure healthy oceans. This year it has allocated 280 million NOK to the international fight against marine litter and announced the launch of a development programme. In addition, private initiatives and businesses, like the Norwegian Retailers Environment Fund, are increasing their engagement with the issue too. 

Within this context, GRID-Arendal together with Hold Norge Rent (Keep Norway Beautiful), Avfall Norge (a Norwegian waste management and recycling association) and Arendalsuka – the political week of Norway – organized an event to shine light on how the Norwegian government and businesses can engage internationally in preventing marine plastic pollution.

The event, which brought together representatives from the Norwegian government, UN Environment, private sector and civil society actors, was focused around two dialogue sessions: the first dialogue touched on what needs to be done to fight marine litter and the second focused on how Norwegian initiatives and private actors can contribute.

“We need a theory of change” said Eirik Solheim, Executive Director of UN Environment. Strong citizen movements, political leadership and bold business are the three pillars to initiate this change according to him.