Plastic is a fully synthetic material developed in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. Little did Leo know that the same plastic will lead to global environmental damage by the 2020s. So much so that the world must develop a Global Plastics treaty to end pollution by 2040.
Since the 80s, plastic use has increased sixfold. In 2021, it reached a staggering 400 million metric tons per year. Plastic is an easy go-to option for people. It has a lifespan of 10 years and costs very little. But this plastic also takes over 500 years to decompose. Leading to an increase in pollution and environmental damage.
To prevent this, the UN came out with the Global Plastics Treaty. It aims to end pollution by 2040 by creating a circular economy for plastics. Read on to find out more about the treaty and its negotiations.
Plastic’s presence in our lives can be best understood through this quote by Craig Leeson, award-winning journalist and director of A Plastic Ocean:
“I realised that plastic had become such a part of my life that it had become invisible to me. I just did not see it until it was pointed out to me, and I was told it was causing specific problems. And then I saw it everywhere. I saw it between my toes when I was on the beach and in the seaweed. I saw it floating between my legs while I was surfing. Once you see it, when you start to look at the problems it causes; when you investigate the human health consequences, you cannot unsee it. ”
Like Craig, we, too, don’t realize the presence of plastic in our lives until it’s pointed out. Someone is like - hey, is that a plastic bag, and suddenly, you’re like - sorry, I didn’t realize it was a no-plastic zone.
Plastic leads to a ton of damage not just to the environment but also to us humans. Traditional plastic takes hundreds or thousands of years to decompose. It accumulates in landfills and pollutes oceans. In turn, harms wildlife and disrupts ecosystems.
The production of plastic is also a depreciating process as it relies majorly on fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels for plastic production drives climate change. The process produces greenhouse gases that trap heat. Leading to an increase in temperature, extreme weather, and rising sea levels. Regulations incentivize innovation, making them resource-intensive.
Many people have realised this link and taken action. Protests targeting the fossil fuel industry and plastic packaging have risen. These movements demand a shift to sustainable plastic alternatives.
The long-term effects of plastic pollution also affect us humans. Microplastics can be found everywhere, from drinking water to seafood even human blood. They are invisible to the human eye. However, ingesting them leads to potential health risks.
The Global Plastics Treaty will regulate plastic to reduce its negative effects.
“It is the worst of times, but it is the best of times because we still have a chance” - Sylvia Earle, an American biologist.
This is one of the major reasons behind the negotiation of the Global Plastics Treaty. Here’s a quick rundown:
Goal: End plastic pollution by 2040 by creating a circular economy for plastics. This means managing plastics responsibly throughout their lifecycle, from design and production to use and disposal.
Urgency: Plastic pollution is a growing crisis. Without action, plastic waste entering our oceans is projected to nearly triple by 2040.
Progress: In March 2022, 175 countries agreed to develop a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution. Negotiations are underway, with the fourth session happening this week in Ottawa, Canada (April 23-29, 2024).
Expected Outcomes: The treaty is expected to include measures like:
The Global Plastics Treaty is being developed on a fast track, with the goal of completion by the end of 2024. Here's a condensed timeline of key milestones:
The Global Plastics Treaty, though a good cause, is facing lots of negotiation. Every country has its say in the matter. However, the goal remains to reach a common ground. Such that each country can adopt the Treaty and reduce plastic pollution.
Here are the different approaches of countries in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations:
2. Countries with Economic Concerns: Developed nations with strong plastic and fossil fuel industries have these concerns. They express reservations about stricter regulations for economic impacts. Their concerns include:
3. Finding Common Ground: Some countries also recognise the need for a balanced approach. They want to include:
These negotiations play a role in bridging the differences. However, compromise is a crucial element. Each country must be willing to cut back to achieve a fair treaty.
The Global Plastics Treaty is a key to ending plastic pollution by 2040. We as humans often don't realise the extent of pollution. But it's there, and it's increasing every day.
Plastics have increased so much today that we can find them in our food, water bodies, and blood. It's also affecting the climate and leading to climate depreciation on a large scale.
Thus, fighting plastic pollution now is way more important than ever before.
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