BUSAN, South Korea -- The world's nations are set to conclude negotiations on a treaty aimed at addressing the global plastic pollution crisis this weekend. The meeting will wrap up by Sunday or early Monday in Busan, where numerous environmental organizations have gathered to advocate for a comprehensive treaty.
Greenpeace intensified its efforts by sending four international activists to Daesan, South Korea, who boarded a tanker destined for port to load chemicals used in plastic production. Graham Forbes, leading the Greenpeace delegation in Busan, emphasized the critical choice facing world leaders: to deliver a treaty that safeguards public health and the environment or prioritize industrial interests.
Currently, global plastic production exceeds 400 million tons annually, with usage having quadrupled over the past three decades. The United Nations reports that approximately 2,000 garbage trucks worth of plastic are dumped into oceans, rivers, and lakes each day. Most nations have agreed to establish the first global, legally binding accord on plastic pollution, targeting completion by the end of 2024.
Without policy changes, plastic production is projected to increase by about 70% by 2040, potentially reaching 736 million tons. Panama has taken a leading role in addressing the rapid rise in plastic production, supported by over 100 countries. Juan Carlos Monterrey, head of Panama's delegation, stated that without addressing production, the treaty risks being labeled a mere recycling agreement.
China, the United States, and Germany are the largest players in the plastics market, collectively accounting for 33% of global plastic trade. Less than 10% of plastic is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills, polluting the environment, or incinerated.
On the sidelines of the negotiations, the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Plastics held an event to discuss the impact of plastics, advocating for recognition of their rights and the universal right to a clean and safe environment. Juan Mancias from the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation in Texas highlighted the historical absence of plastic in their environment.
Approximately 40% of all plastics are utilized for packaging, which includes single-use containers that frequently contribute to environmental pollution. U.N. Environment Program Executive Director Inger Andersen urged negotiators to identify specific plastic items that could be eliminated and explore alternative solutions.