On November 25, 2024, in Busan, before the opening of the fifth session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Commission on Plastic Pollution (INC-5), he said, “Governments, the world is watching. Reduce plastic production now.'' Greenpeace activists waving flags. (Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP) (Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)
Plastics are extremely useful in a variety of technological and sanitary and health applications, but “through our negligence, they have turned into monsters that now seem out of control.”
This is according to a position paper by the Common Initiative, a think tank that tracks global environmental policy. The document was released ahead of the final round of international negotiations, known as the Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Commission Consultations (INC-5), to develop a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution.
The talks began on Monday in Busan, South Korea.
In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly began a two-year process to establish a first-of-its-kind global treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal.
The position paper stated that the urgency of the mission reflects the urgency of the issue.
“The INC to develop an internationally binding instrument on plastic pollution has met four times so far. In theory, INC-5 in Busan should be the last convention. ” and reflected that much work still needs to be done to develop a robust and meaningful treaty.
“While I understand the usefulness of deadlines for an international process of this scope, this treaty is not about bureaucratic performance. If you want INC-6, so be it.”
The report cited an October report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on policy scenarios for eliminating plastic pollution, which said plastic production was “out of control”.
They found that global policies that address the entire plastic lifecycle could reduce plastic leakage into the environment by 96% by 2040.
Without stronger policies, plastic production and use is projected to increase by 70% from 435 million tonnes (Mt) in 2020 to 736 million tonnes in 2040, with plastics derived from recycled sources expected to increase by 70%. the OECD said.
“In parallel, mismanaged plastic waste – plastics that are dumped, improperly disposed of or littered at the end of their useful life – will increase by almost 50%. (From 81 million tonnes per year in 2020 to 119 million tonnes per year in 2040) Leaks of poorly managed plastic into the environment, including releases into rivers, oceans and land, will increase by 50%. Sho.”
This plastic storm is having a huge and significant impact on biodiversity, ecosystems and human health, the Common Initiative said in its opinion.
Plastic production also affects the climate. The OECD report found that it could account for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, “most of which is produced by materials that end up as waste. “They are being discharged for this reason,” he added.
The stakes are high for INC-5, with a showdown expected between the countries assembled in the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, co-chaired by Rwanda and Norway. Both countries hope to conclude a treaty that covers the entire lifecycle of plastics. A group of countries led by Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Russian Federation want to exclude plastic production from the treaty.
The document states that there is strong interest from the oil and gas industry in plastic production. “They have slowed progress through constant bracketing and obfuscation, and have muddied the treaty with arguments over trivial adjectives.
“These tactics obfuscate real progress as core issues around production are sidelined. This obstructionism creates a smokescreen and frustrates those pushing for real action while moving toward meaningful change.” It allows us to avoid efforts.”
A common argument against strict plastic regulations is that they can inhibit economic growth, especially in developing countries. But the think tank argued that this defense was not about protecting the economy. Rather, it is about protecting deep-seated interests.
“The idea that developing countries must choose between economic growth and environmental health is a false dichotomy supported by those who seek to profit from continued production.”
The evidence is clear. “These same developing countries will bear the brunt of the devastating effects of plastic pollution if production remains unchecked.”
He said the INC process offers a “once in a generation” opportunity to establish a global standard for managing the entire lifecycle of plastics.
“For INC-5 to be considered a success, it must address the concerns of civil society, scientists, indigenous peoples, and frontline communities. We have consistently emphasized the need for viable solutions.”
The treaty takes a comprehensive lifecycle approach and takes “active steps” to address plastic production from fossil fuel sources and phase out production, particularly in areas such as packaging that contribute the most to waste. should be taken.
Regarding chemicals of concern, the group said consumers needed to be provided with information about the 16,000 chemicals used in plastics, 4,200 of which are harmful. “Public awareness and accountability are essential.”
On financing mechanisms and waste colonialism, the opinion stated that the Convention needs to create financial mechanisms to implement these solutions, particularly in supporting developing countries.
“This Convention prioritizes solutions for countries affected by waste colonialism, protects formal and informal waste workers, and ensures fair and just waste management systems. I have to.”
It must also pave the way for a transition to a low-carbon, zero-waste economy that focuses on reuse and “particularly benefits marginalized communities disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.” .
The world cannot afford to allow this treaty to suffer the same fate as so many other international agreements: unfulfilled promises, unachieved goals, and a loss of public trust. This is because we risk leaving future generations with a planet suffocated by plastic.
“If the Busan negotiations stall due to the influence of less ambitious actors, a strong proposal for INC-6 must be submitted. “This must not be reflected,” he said, adding that the urgency of the plastics crisis demands decisive action, not compromise.
