Global Initiative Aims to Tackle Plastic Pollution
The United Nations reports a dramatic increase in plastic production, which surged from approximately 2 million metric tons in 1950 to an estimated 400 million metric tons in 2024. Projections indicate that this figure may triple by the year 2060. Alarmingly, only about 10 percent of plastic produced is recycled or reused, leaving the vast majority to persist in the environment for centuries, contributing to pollution in ecosystems ranging from oceans to mountains. This pollution poses risks to food chains and human health, potentially affecting vital organs and neurological function.
In 2025, efforts will commence to address the escalating issue of plastic pollution through a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty. Since 2022, representatives from over 170 countries have engaged in negotiations to craft this treaty, which seeks to manage the entire lifecycle of plastics--from design to production and disposal. This initiative mirrors the successful framework of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which was instrumental in phasing out substances responsible for ozone depletion.
The treaty is set to reach a conclusion during its final session in Busan, South Korea, scheduled for late November 2024. As negotiations progress, they have revealed significant divisions among participants. The draft treaty currently presents two main objectives: the first aims to "eliminate plastic pollution," while the second focuses on "protecting human health and the environment from plastic pollution."
The first objective has garnered support from the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, which includes countries such as those in the Nordic region, alongside nations like Rwanda and Peru. In contrast, the second option is favored by major oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, which advocate for an emphasis on recycling and waste management rather than curbing plastic production. A notable shift occurred in August 2024 when the United States, a leading producer of plastic and oil, announced its commitment to supporting production limitations on plastics--a move that may significantly influence treaty discussions.
Choosing the first option would align global efforts more closely with the strategy used in the Montreal Protocol. While it may not immediately set binding targets for reducing plastic production, it establishes an ambitious goal of eradicating plastic pollution. Conversely, the second option--aimed at protecting health and the environment--remains vague and lacks a clear understanding of the health thresholds related to plastic exposure, complicating efforts to define long-term objectives.
Notably, both options represent a step forward, providing necessary guidance for the plastic industry to innovate and develop more sustainable technologies. The first option could encourage the creation of fully biodegradable and compostable materials as alternatives to single-use plastics, which currently account for 35 percent of plastic consumption. Meanwhile, the second option may drive advancements in recycling efficiency and waste reduction methods.
The technological guidance embedded in the treaty is vital. When the Montreal Protocol was established in 1987, it introduced cautious yet progressive targets for CFC production reduction, set at 20 percent by 1994 and 50 percent by 1998. Initially perceived as too slow, these targets were revisited when new scientific insights and alternative technologies emerged, prompting the industry to innovate. The rapid development of alternatives, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for refrigeration, resulted in a complete phase-out of CFCs by 2000, much sooner than anticipated.
As the Global Plastics Treaty takes shape, it will signal a clear directive to the plastics industry that a transformation in operational practices is necessary. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward mitigating the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and fostering a more sustainable future.
