Negotiations are underway in Ottawa, Canada, for a new global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to encompass the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to waste management. However, divisions remain between countries on the level of ambition, with some favoring strict binding measures and others advocating for voluntary and country-led efforts.
The treaty must also address procedural delays and reach consensus on key issues, including financial support, industry influence, and binding targets for production reduction. Without adequate funding and industry accountability, the treaty’s effectiveness will be compromised. Additionally, bold measures to reduce plastic production at its source are needed, rather than focusing solely on waste management.
The inclusion of “reuse” in the treaty could garner broader support, as it emphasizes the repeated use of items in their current form, reducing the demand for new plastic production. Reuse could significantly reduce plastic production, especially in sectors such as packaging for food, beverages, and cosmetics. As negotiations continue, cooperation and efficiency are paramount to meet pressing deadlines and ensure the treaty effectively tackles plastic pollution on a global scale.
