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Leaders believe multilateralism is the key to the initiative’s success, forming an alliance with many nations to pursue a common goal and having it set in stone by the end of this year. They anticipate a legally binding agreement will catalyse global action to improve how we manufacture and dispose of plastics.
To date, delegates have completed four rounds of negotiations to pave the way for the legislation. The next meeting of the INC High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People will take place in the city of Busan, in South Korea, from 25th November to 1st December.
Challenges of plastic pollution
During earlier negotiations at the Paris meeting of the INC, debate became heated as delegates couldn’t decide whether to make decisions through a two-thirds majority vote, or by reaching a consensus.
One of the fundamental principles of global diplomacy, consensus makes sure everyone is involved, leading to a decision that all persons present believe is fair and legitimate. However, the issues of how to stop plastic pollution are so complex that total consensus can be difficult to achieve. Some countries benefit as a result of increased plastic production, while others bear a greater burden.
Previous experience trying to finalise global environmental legislation shows that relying on consensus often slows progress down, causing compromise that can reduce the effectiveness of the initiative. Delegates fear this could impact the plastics treaty discussions too, but they’re hoping to iron out their differences in light of an estimated tripling of plastic production by 2060. With the recycling rate hovering at less than 10%, data tells us it will be extremely challenging to end plastics pollution for good.
Now the world is looking towards the next round of negotiations in November in the hope that a balance can be agreed between the need for effective, prompt action and the inclusivity of every nation.
How will the UK deal with plastic pollution?
The fourth INC meeting in Canada was attended by representatives of 170 countries, including the UK, in April 2024. The UK has pledged its support for the treaty and played a significant role in several projects.
The then Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said Britain was championing efforts to reduce avoidable and problematic plastic products and had her proposals included in the draft treaty. She also successfully pushed for a programme of work to be carried out before the fifth meeting in November to give experts the opportunity to meet and add their input to the final document.
How do climate negotiations impact the plastics treaty?
The latest United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, held from 30th November to 13th December 2023, saw world leaders agree to achieving Net Zero by 2050, meaning the world must move away from using fossil fuels.
Currently, 99% of plastics are manufactured from fossil fuels, with the industry set to drive almost 50% of the predicted growth in oil demand by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, told the COP28 conference that the world could no longer afford the emissions. Delegates heard that plastic pollution and climate change were “two sides of the same coin”.
Private sector organisations were urged to prepare for the future treaty by intensifying their search for more sustainable green energy options.
How will the private sector react?
Data from a recent study reveals 20 companies are responsible for more than 50% of the planet’s single-use plastics. Although plastics are relatively cheap to produce, the World Wildlife Fund claims the cost of cleaning up plastic pollution, including emissions, may be as high as £2.8 trillion.
Environmental campaigners are calling for single-use plastic producers to take moral responsibility for their actions and move towards sustainable products instead. The planned plastics treaty is likely to establish schemes to make producers more responsible, tackling pollution at source.
However, it’s a grey area when it comes to how plastics producers, fossil fuel companies and related businesses in the private sector will stand with regard to the treaty. Some nations have brought fossil fuel company lobbyists to the negotiating table for the INC deliberations.
How will governments react?
Public awareness of the need to end plastics pollution is increasing, so some nations have already taken steps to stamp it out in response to consumer demand.
In Rwanda, single-use plastic cutlery and bags have been outlawed since 2008. As a result, 34 countries in Africa have followed suit and the expectation is that more governments will be put under pressure by society to establish similar regulations.
Over the counter and online sales of single-use polystyrene food and drink containers, plastic balloon sticks, drinks stirrers and cutlery are banned in the UK, although there are exemptions, according to the latest government guidance published on 22nd January 2024. Exemptions include restaurants, canteens, public houses, clubs and mobile food and drink stalls, who can supply plastic straws with a drink, but they must be kept behind the counter so customers can no longer help themselves.
Looking to the future
With plastic pollution news hitting the headlines almost every day, it’s obvious that we need to do something about it, but it can be challenging to balance differing priorities and views. If everyone takes even a small step, such as avoiding single-use plastics, or placing recycling bins around the workplace, every little helps.
Decision-makers should consider how reducing the use of fossil fuels will impact the plastics industry and think of more sustainable alternatives. It’s time for everyone, from governments and businesses to schools and communities, to come together and create a greener future.