Plastic pollution remains a global challenge, with national policies often falling short, focusing mainly on waste management rather than addressing the root causes.
Compounding the issue, the global trade in plastic waste often shifts it to regions least equipped to handle it.
Recognizing these challenges, nearly 200 nations endorsed a groundbreaking resolution in March 2022 to develop a new global and legally binding agreement or treaty by the end of 2024.
The focus of this treaty is on ending plastic pollution rather than banning plastic use altogether. It aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from resource extraction and production to product design, use, and waste management. However, as crucial negotiations begin in Ottawa, Canada, from April 23-29, the specifics of the treaty remain unclear.
Challenges Ahead
With only 14 days of discussion time remaining between the Ottawa negotiations and the final round in Busan, South Korea, in November, the timeline is tight. Negotiators face significant pressure to make substantial progress this week towards a comprehensive treaty.
There’s a clear divide between countries, with some pushing for ambitious, binding measures targeting all stages of the plastics lifecycle, while others advocate for weaker, voluntary measures focused mainly on waste management and pollution prevention.
The Shape of the Treaty
The outcome of the negotiations is uncertain. Will the treaty be ambitious, with strict binding measures focusing on all stages of the plastics lifecycle? Or will it be weaker, with voluntary measures focused mainly on waste management?
Currently, a small number of nations can veto or block the process if consensus isn’t reached. Negotiators must overcome procedural delays and strive for a balanced approach that respects diverse national interests while producing a meaningful treaty.
Industry Influence
There’s ongoing debate about the influence of industry representatives in the negotiations. While some argue that industry engagement is beneficial, others are concerned that it diminishes the representation of civil rights groups and NGOs advocating for those most affected by plastic pollution.
Groups like the Green Africa Youth Organization and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) are concerned that lack of equitable representation of frontline groups like waste pickers could skew the outcome and further create injustices.
Ensuring that the voices of civil rights groups, NGOs, and academics are heard alongside industry will be crucial for a fair and effective treaty.
Implementation Financing
Financing the actions identified under the treaty remains a major challenge. Without financial support, even well-intentioned measures could falter. A well-structured financial framework, possibly involving a mix of private and public finance or plastic pollution fees, is essential to ensure transparency and accountability.
For Ghana, a Global Plastic Pollution Fee (GPPF) placed on producers will not only support in raising funds to ensure efficient management but will also influence the kind and volume of plastic that will be produced thereby helping to reduce pollution.
Shifting Focus
There’s a strong argument that the treaty should focus on reducing plastic production rather than just managing waste. Negotiators must be bold in setting binding targets to reduce production and simplify the toxic chemicals used in plastic production.
Emphasizing reuse could be an early victory, reducing the demand for new plastic production for single-use items. This approach may be more agreeable to countries compared to more contentious measures like production caps or bans however, this will require transparency and clarity in definition of each terminology.
Negotiating the Treaty
In Ottawa, negotiators must adopt a focused, cooperative approach to eliminate procedural delays and meet pressing deadlines. The aim is to achieve outcomes that effectively address the root causes of plastic pollution and ensure that time is used efficiently to reach an agreement that benefits all parties involved.
The post Negotiations underway in Ottawa for a Global Plastics Treaty first appeared on 3News.
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