Netherlands endorses ocean Plastics Charter

OTTAWA – The Netherlands has endorsed the Canada-led Ocean Plastics Charter.

A key outcome of the G7 Summit in June, the Ocean Plastics Charter was initially adopted by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The Charter outlines concrete actions to eradicate plastic pollution, and recognizes the need for urgent action to address the impact of marine litter on the health and sustainability of oceans, seas, coastal communities, and ecosystems.

In addition to the Netherlands, Jamaica, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, and Norway, as well as 18 companies, have endorsed the Charter since the Summit.

Canada is also confirming a contribution of $7.5 million to support the work of the Global Commission on Adaptation, an initiative spearheaded by the Netherlands. The Commission, convened by 17 countries including Canada, promotes the importance of climate adaptation and encourages solutions to climate threats.

The Global Commission on Adaptation was launched in The Hague on October 16, 2018. The Commission is overseen by Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary-General; Bill Gates, co-chair and trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Kristalina Georgieva, CEO of the World Bank.

Canada will also work with the Netherlands-hosted Global Center on Adaptation to help address climate adaptation gaps.

Canada will also launch the new Canadian Centre for Climate Services, which will provide information to Canadians on how the climate is changing where they live and work to help them understand and plan for climate impacts.

The Canadian Centre for Climate Services will consolidate data, tools and information online and provide support to Canadians so they can adapt to the impacts of climate change. The dedicated service will help people, communities, and businesses plan for climate change by providing reliable climate information – such as future projections for changes in temperature, precipitation, sea ice and snow depth – that can be applied to everyday decisions.