Health & Beauty
Plastic and politics
Ignoring plastic health impact ‘delusional’, say leading scientists.
30 November 2024
Main image: Activists from Greenpeace East Asia hold banners in English and Korean in front of a petrochemical complex near Dangjin, South Korea – 300km from where world leaders are gathered at the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan © Greenpeace / Yejin Kim
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) for a Global Plastics Treaty ended today (01 December) with an agreement to meet again for what will be the final negotiation meeting to land a deal.
Countries negotiating an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, adjourned their fifth session with agreement on a ‘Chair’s Text’ that will serve as the starting point for negotiations at a resumed session in 2025.
‘The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution.
‘This week’s meeting has made good progress towards securing the deal the world demands. Through the Busan talks, negotiators have reached a greater degree of convergence on the structure and elements of the treaty text, as well as a better understanding of country positions and shared challenges. But it is clear there is persisting divergence in critical areas and more time is needed for these areas to be addressed.
‘At UNEA 5.2, the world promised to tackle plastic pollution. Now, at the next round of talks, the world will have the opportunity to finally make that a reality. An opportunity we cannot afford to miss.’
INGER ANDERSEN
Executive director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
Over 3,300 delegates – including Members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organisations – have been meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea since 25 November for the fifth session of the INC-5.
Through the week, Members negotiated two documents by the INC chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, before agreeing on the closing day to transmit the Chair’s Text to the resumed session.
‘Our mandate has always been ambitious. But ambition takes time to land. We have many of the elements that we need, and Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success. I call on all delegations to continue making paths, building bridges, and engaging in dialogue.
‘Let us always remember that our purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse and remedy the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health.’
AMBASSADOR LUIS VAYAS VALDIVIESO
INC chair
Following INC-5, the Committee is expected to request the executive director of UNEP to inform delegations of the venue for the resumed fifth session.
In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The instrument, according to the resolution, is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.
‘We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit, now is the time for us push our own limits and honour the trust placed in us – we have no choice but to succeed. You have the INC Secretariat’s and my unwavering support to get this done.’
JYOTI MATHUR-FILIPP
Executive secretary of the INC Secretariat
INC-5 follows four earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in Punta del Este, in November 2022, INC-2, which was held in Paris in June 2023, INC-3, which happened in Nairobi in November 2023 and INC-4, held in Ottawa in April 2024.
‘Every day that governments allow polluters to continue flooding the world with plastic, we all pay the price. This delay comes with dire consequences for people and the planet, ruthlessly sacrificing those on the frontlines of this crisis. But this week over 100 Member States, representing billions of people, rejected a toothless deal that would have accomplished nothing, and stood before the world committing to an ambitious treaty. Now, it’s time they stand by this promise and deliver.
‘For the next meeting, the assignment for member states is clear: the ambitious majority must break through fossil fuel influence and the obstruction of a few, to deliver an effective agreement with binding global targets and measures to reduce plastic production. They must fight for protections against dangerous chemicals, bans on single-use plastics, reuse targets, and an equitable financing plan. They must use their power to ensure the INC process is inclusive and just, prioritise access for the communities most affected by plastic pollution.
‘We stand at a historic crossroads. The opportunity to secure an impactful plastics treaty that protects our health, biodiversity and climate remains within reach. Strong political headwinds make this more challenging, but the lesson from INC5 is clear: ambitious countries must not allow the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, backed by a small minority of countries, to prevent the will of the vast majority. A strong agreement that protects people and the planet is our only option.’GRAHAM FORBES
Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA
Ignoring plastic health impact ‘delusional’, say leading scientists.
Call for government to speed up introduction of legislation to ban plastic in wet wipes.
EARTHDAY.ORG’s Aidan Charron reveals why our pets ‘are in peril from plastics – just like us’.
EARTHDAY.ORG’s Michael Karapetian & Evan Raskin explain why it’s time to clean up the plastics industry – and how you can help.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Weekly ethical news, offers, comps and a free digital mag (quarterly) – what’s not to love?
