UN negotiations are currently underway to establish the world’s first global treaty aimed at reducing plastic waste. The chair of the meetings is optimistic about reaching an agreement, despite facing challenges in bridging the gap between plastic-producing nations and those seeking to combat pollution across the entire life cycle of plastics.
Plastic pollution has become a significant global concern, with an estimated 400 million tons of plastic being produced annually. Much of this plastic ends up in oceans and landfills, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
In a groundbreaking move, negotiations for a global treaty to address the complete life cycle of plastics were initiated in March 2022. However, talks had previously stalled when oil-producing countries suggested focusing on waste management rather than reducing plastic production.
Greenpeace USA has underscored the importance of limiting plastic production as a key solution to the pollution crisis. The chair of the negotiations is working towards ensuring the treaty is on track to be signed as the first legally binding agreement next year, similar to the Paris Agreement.
Discussions are ongoing to determine the location for the treaty signing, with Ecuador and other countries expressing interest. The ultimate goal is to have all nations sign the treaty declaration in the coming year to combat plastic pollution on a global scale.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”