Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is hopeful that the tide is turning on plastic pollution. She thinks an expansive agreement might still be possible. Speaking at a recent briefing, she emphasized that a deal addressing the pervasive issue of plastic waste is within reach. Current negotiations are addressing some of those hefty hurdles. They work to address a mounting crisis that harms both habitats and human life alike.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Peru, who recently announced that he will not serve out his full term as chair of the negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty. He orchestrated the final three rounds of negotiation. In these collaborative meetings, government-affiliated delegates from every corner of the globe continued honing in on plans to minimize plastic pollution. Even with six rounds of discussions that haven’t resulted in a completed memorandum of understanding, Andersen is still hopeful. Our three upcoming summits will address this important subject yet again, promising a brighter future through action.
The Ubiquitous Problem of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a deeply polarized global issue. Microplastics are now found on the tallest mountain summits and the deepest ocean floors. Newly published research paints a disturbing picture—their minute size means that these particles today can now be found in almost every area of the human body. This poses a major health threat. The global scope of plastic production…over 400 million tons per year…makes clear that to solve this crisis, we must act globally.
And of this production, more than half is made up of single-use items. These products are designed to be disposed immediately, not reused long-term. This shortsighted model adds greatly to the global plastic waste crisis, with alarming impacts on both land and sea ecosystems. Current recycling efforts fall short, with only 9% of plastic waste being effectively recycled and merely 15% collected for recycling.
A shocking 46% of plastic waste goes to landfills, with 17% incinerated. Even worse, an estimated 22% of that is poorly managed, ending up as litter that pollutes our beaches, parks, and waterways. Projections indicate that annual production of plastics made with fossil fuels will triple by 2060. This is a really scary trend, which makes the need for strong policy solutions all the more urgent.
Challenges in Negotiations
Six rounds of negotiations later, despite repeated efforts, an agreement to phase out plastic pollution still remains elusive. Negotiators are up against an incredible challenge because this issue is incredibly complicated. Countries face different levels of commitment and resources that make it more difficult to tackle plastic waste effectively. Inger Andersen’s leadership at UNEP since 2019 has been pivotal in steering the conversation towards solutions, yet progress remains slow.
The upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November will provide another opportunity for international leaders to engage in discussions surrounding plastic pollution. This summit is expected to attract significant attention as countries assess their roles in combating the plastic crisis and consider collaborative initiatives. The next meeting of the UN Environment Assembly is planned for December in Nairobi. It will particularly address the issue of plastic pollution, shining a light on its importance on the global agenda.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
Inger Andersen’s claim that a deal on plastic pollution is possible gives hope that there’s still a willingness to work together to find solutions. In particular, she stressed that international collaboration and new, creative strategies are needed to address the challenges encountered in negotiations. With leaders and stakeholders coming together at key summits, there is potential for breakthroughs that could lead to actionable agreements.
Consumers are fed up. Consumers are more aware than ever about the consequences of mismanaged plastic waste. Its awareness underlines its dire consequences for human health and ecosystems alike. The upcoming UN Habitat World Urban Forum in Brazil and UN Climate COP in Nairobi are important venues for deepening this commitment and encouraging discussion between countries. As countries continue to navigate their responsibilities in addressing plastic pollution, there is hope that collective action can bring about meaningful change.