World leaders with the participation of the European Commission are gathering this week in Busan, South Korea, for the fifth and most critical round of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement on a global instrument tackling plastic pollution.
The talks mark the final sprint towards developing a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution through a comprehensive approach across the full life cycle of plastics, as set out by UNEA Resolution 5/14 which was adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) two years ago.
Ahead of the talks, a petition signed by almost three million people from over 182 countries including African countries, calling for a historic Global Plastics Treaty to drastically reduce production and use, and protect human health and the environment, was delivered to the government delegates. The signatures were collected by Greenpeace, WWF and the Break Free from Plastic movement.
Especially Africa is drowning in plastics, a crisis intricately linked to the fossil fuel industry. Plastic pollution levels are critically high in some African countries. Though plastic pollution is a global environmental issue, Africa faces a particular challenge due to the high importation of plastic products, low re-use and the scramble to dump plastic waste into the continent by the Global North.
“Plastics are a lifeline for the dying fossil fuel industry as the world transitions to renewable energy,” commented Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead- Pan- African Plastic Project, referring to COP29 which ended on Sunday morning without tackling the transition away from fossil fuels.
“Plastic production needs to be addressed now before production increases. From production to disposal, plastic pollution negatively impacts our human rights. The world is watching. This is a make-or-break moment where governments in Africa and around the world have another chance to agree on an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty.
A flag with a giant eye composed of thousands of portraits from around the world, has been unfurled from a 10-storey crane. Created by artist Dan Acher in collaboration with Greenpeace, the flag features faces of public figures that represent a united call for a treaty that cuts plastic production, eliminates single-use plastics, and sends a clear message: the world is watching.
The demands of Greenpeace and its allies from the Break Free from Plastic movement
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The Plastic Odyssey ship launched a three-year expedition in 2022 in the global fight against plastic pollution, credit: Plastic Odyssey
Plastic Odyssey fights against plastic pollution by taking advantage of the plastic waste in low- and middle-income countries’ coastal cities and turn it into raw material in local micro-factories for the transformation of the waste into building materials and fuel, thanks to low-tech and easily transferable technologies.
Treaty by end of this year
The EU is aware of the alarming situation and says that it is ready to engage with other parties and build bridges for agreeing on a global treaty by the end of the year.
“Plastics are choking our oceans, polluting the environment and harming people’s health and livelihoods, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič commented. “If business as usual continues, plastic production will triple by 2060. We need coordinated global policies to change plastic production and consumption patterns in a way that delivers for people and the planet.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission told The Brussels Times that the EU's priorities for an effective agreement include the need to address the high and unsustainable levels of primary plastic polymer production, ban intentionally added microplastics in products, and converge around a structure in the new instrument that addresses plastic production comprehensively.
The EU will also advocate for major producers to bear a share of the financial responsibility for plastic pollution – the so-called ‘polluter pays' principle. During the negotiations, the EU will also emphasise that, while legally binding measures are needed globally, national circumstances should also be considered, and a just transition ensured.
