International negotiations commence for a worldwide accord on tackling plastic pollution
The global fight against plastic pollution is gaining momentum as negotiations for a potential international agreement commence in Geneva. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is leading the talks, which will run from the 5th to the 14th of August.
Delegations from 179 countries and over 1,900 participants from 618 observer organizations, including scientists, environmentalists, and industry representatives, will attend the meeting. The aim is for these discussions to lead to a legally binding international agreement to end the plastic pollution crisis within the specified timeframe.
The negotiations are taking place in the context of the deal being compared to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord in terms of its significance. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) gathering is discussing a 32-draft article text aimed at shaping a future instrument to combat plastic pollution.
The Lancet medical journal recently published a warning stating that materials used in plastics cause extensive disease at every stage of the plastics life cycle and at every stage of human life. Health experts estimate that plastics are responsible for health-related economic losses exceeding $1.5 trillion annually, with infants and young children being particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of plastics.
Single-use products like straws, cups, stirrers, carrier bags, and cosmetics containing microbeads are contributing to the plastic pollution problem. The aim of the proposed deal is to promote plastic circularity and prevent plastic leakage in the environment.
However, the negotiations are allegedly facing pressure from petrostates, whose crude oil and natural gas industries provide raw materials for plastics production.
The main objective of the meeting is to share proven methods of reducing plastic use, such as non-plastic substitutes and other safer alternatives. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasizes that we cannot recycle our way out of the plastic pollution crisis; a systemic transformation is needed to achieve a transition to a circular economy.
The meetings will be streamed on UN Web TV, which can be accessed by clicking here. The United Nations Environment Programme projects that plastic pollution will triple by 2060 if no international accord is inked. Let's hope these negotiations mark a significant step towards a plastic-free future.
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