Latest news with #GlobalPlasticsTreaty
Scotsman
7 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Threats against scientists must not derail global plastic pollution treaty
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Shopping bags; scraps of net; empty bottles. If you have been on a beach in Scotland, you have been on a beach littered with plastic pollution. It is a problem – a scandal – that is so endemic now that it barely passes mention most of the time, but we can and must take notice now and act against plastic pollution worldwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That is why on Thursday I led a debate in the UK Parliament to press the government on what they are doing to support the Global Plastics Treaty, currently under negotiation. The coming weeks may be the last chance to reach a bold treaty which will tackle this scourge on our environment – with strong, binding targets to cap and reduce plastic production. Plastic waste washed up on South Troon beach (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Beach litter-picking an endless task The growth of this problem has been a blight on our shores for decades and it is only getting worse. In the Northern Isles we are fortunate to have organised litter-picking campaigns – Bag the Bruck in Orkney and Da Voar Redd Up in Shetland. Their work makes a measurable impact in cleaning up the shoreline, but within weeks swathes of plastic are washed up on the beaches again. What is alarming is that in recent years, when I join a litter-pick on a beach and end up looking at it and thinking that it is absolutely pristine, within ten more minutes of careful picking I can fill yet another carrier bag with small pieces of plastic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Those small pieces of plastic eventually turn into microplastics, which are now found everywhere from Arctic ice to drinking water – and even inside our own bodies. It remains unclear what the long-term impact of microplastics are on animal and plant life, including our own, but I suspect you will agree with me that it would be better not to have to find out. UN member states are currently negotiating a legally binding international agreement that will address the entire life cycle of plastics, from design to production and disposal. If it lives up to its promise, the treaty could be a turning point in the fight against plastic pollution. The next session of negotiations will held in Geneva next month, but there are already warning signs flashing. A volunteer collects plastic waste that washed up on the shores and mangroves of Freedom Island in Manila Bay, Philippines (Picture: Ezra Acayan) | Getty Images Binding targets The original 'final' round of talks in November failed to reach an agreement. During a Commons' Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee session that I chaired, we heard evidence that scientists taking part in the treaty negotiations are facing significant pressure and, in some cases, even reported threats. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That is why leadership from our government is so vital to get this treaty over the line in August. The UK delegation – with accountable ministers taking the lead – must stand up for openness and transparency at the negotiations, and they must reject any attempt to water down this treaty. We need binding targets to reduce the production of plastic and we need to reject any treaty that does not contain this key commitment. This is a challenge that knows no border and recognises no party. We can and must drive more action to cut plastic pollution, for the good of our planet – and so that future generations can enjoy the pristine shores of our country as they once did.
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Campaigners in Queensferry to protest against plastic pollution ahead of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
Campaigners and the community in South Queensferry are rallying in a National Day of Action against plastic pollution this Saturday, 19 July. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Surfers Against Sewage 'The People vs Plastic' campaign will see protestors descend on the UK's beaches, city streets and everywhere in between to send a clear message: the government must act decisively to tackle plastic pollution at its source, to position the UK as a global leader in the fight against single-use plastics. The campaign aims to ramp up the pressure on Government ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, reconvening in Geneva from 5-14 August. Earlier talks collapsed in South Korea, last year, with countries failing to agree on reducing plastic production. Campaigners say that a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is urgently needed to cut pollution at its source and protect blue spaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ahead of the National Day of Action, communities from coast to city will host grassroots events, from 'Trash Mobs' in local schools to community-led cleans, building momentum for the nationwide protest. Data will be collected during the community cleans, which will help Surfers Against Sewage map the true scale of plastic pollution, and name the brands and retailers most to blame. Your World The public can get involved by heading to the Surfers Against Sewage website to find a local protest to join or show support during the Week of Action by getting involved with a local Plastic Free Community close to home. Communities and schools are at the forefront of Surfers Against Sewage's campaign against plastic, with over 400 active Plastic Free Communities and over 3,000 Plastic Free Schools leading the way in the fight against plastic in their local area. So far in 2025, over 88,000 people have taken part in over 3,600 local cleans, collecting over 40,000kg of rubbish, as part of the charity's Million Mile Clean initiative. Plastic Free Queensferry is organising a protest in on the beach in Queensferry. They said: We are going to send a clear message ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty talks that we want to see an end to plastic pollution. We will be spelling out a human message with all of our volunteers to #EndPlasticPollution. Following that we are joining with other community groups, such as Clean Ferry and Dalmeny & Queensferry Parish Church EcoCongregation to carry out a beach clean, litter pick and brand audit around Queensferry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the UK Government to deliver on the goals of the Global Plastics Treaty immediately through joined up and ambitious national plans to end plastic pollution, including: Setting legally-binding targets to cut plastic pollution Implementing an effective circular economy centred on reuse and refill, including the implementation of a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and introduction of binding reuse targets Holding polluters to account by enforcing current laws and delivering Extended Producer Responsibility schemes that make polluters pay. Giles Bristow, Chief Executive at Surfers Against Sewage said: 'Broken promises, stalled progress, surging pollution. We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic that continues to rise. Enough is enough, so we are rising up too. As families pack their buckets and spades and the summer holidays begin, there's no better time to shine a light on the plastics choking our shores. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste that travels the globe, and our government is still dawdling on action. 'We're sick to death of plastic-pushing corporations fuelling this crisis while spinning greenwashing lies and pointing the finger at consumers. They churn out mountains of non-recyclable packaging, sabotage vital policies behind closed doors, and consistently miss every voluntary target. The Labour government pledged us a zero-waste future, we're all ears, but we won't settle for anything less. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That's why, on Saturday 19 July, as the school holidays get underway, we're calling on Ocean Activists from Penzance to Porthcawl and everywhere in between to make their voices heard. Whether you're clearing your favourite beach or marching through city streets, communities hold the power to drive change. With Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat. Together, we can become a force impossible for leaders, and polluters, to ignore.' Protest locations and National Week of Action information can be found on the Surfers Against Sewage website. Following the protest, the charity is encouraging people to sign a petition to put pressure on the Government to tackle the problem. For more information, visit the campaign page here.
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Campaigners in Queensferry to protest against plastic pollution ahead of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
Communities up and down the country will unite on Saturday 19 July to take a stand against the Government's inaction on plastic pollution •Protests and beach cleans will be taking place across the country as part of a National Day of Action Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Campaigners and the community in South Queensferry are rallying in a National Day of Action against plastic pollution this Saturday, 19 July. The Surfers Against Sewage 'The People vs Plastic' campaign will see protestors descend on the UK's beaches, city streets and everywhere in between to send a clear message: the government must act decisively to tackle plastic pollution at its source, to position the UK as a global leader in the fight against single-use plastics. The campaign aims to ramp up the pressure on Government ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, reconvening in Geneva from 5-14 August. Earlier talks collapsed in South Korea, last year, with countries failing to agree on reducing plastic production. Campaigners say that a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is urgently needed to cut pollution at its source and protect blue spaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ahead of the National Day of Action, communities from coast to city will host grassroots events, from 'Trash Mobs' in local schools to community-led cleans, building momentum for the nationwide protest. Data will be collected during the community cleans, which will help Surfers Against Sewage map the true scale of plastic pollution, and name the brands and retailers most to blame. Your World The public can get involved by heading to the Surfers Against Sewage website to find a local protest to join or show support during the Week of Action by getting involved with a local Plastic Free Community close to home. Communities and schools are at the forefront of Surfers Against Sewage's campaign against plastic, with over 400 active Plastic Free Communities and over 3,000 Plastic Free Schools leading the way in the fight against plastic in their local area. So far in 2025, over 88,000 people have taken part in over 3,600 local cleans, collecting over 40,000kg of rubbish, as part of the charity's Million Mile Clean initiative. Plastic Free Queensferry is organising a protest in on the beach in Queensferry. They said: We are going to send a clear message ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty talks that we want to see an end to plastic pollution. We will be spelling out a human message with all of our volunteers to #EndPlasticPollution. Following that we are joining with other community groups, such as Clean Ferry and Dalmeny & Queensferry Parish Church EcoCongregation to carry out a beach clean, litter pick and brand audit around Queensferry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the UK Government to deliver on the goals of the Global Plastics Treaty immediately through joined up and ambitious national plans to end plastic pollution, including: Setting legally-binding targets to cut plastic pollution Implementing an effective circular economy centred on reuse and refill, including the implementation of a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and introduction of binding reuse targets Holding polluters to account by enforcing current laws and delivering Extended Producer Responsibility schemes that make polluters pay. Giles Bristow, Chief Executive at Surfers Against Sewage said: 'Broken promises, stalled progress, surging pollution. We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic that continues to rise. Enough is enough, so we are rising up too. As families pack their buckets and spades and the summer holidays begin, there's no better time to shine a light on the plastics choking our shores. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste that travels the globe, and our government is still dawdling on action. 'We're sick to death of plastic-pushing corporations fuelling this crisis while spinning greenwashing lies and pointing the finger at consumers. They churn out mountains of non-recyclable packaging, sabotage vital policies behind closed doors, and consistently miss every voluntary target. The Labour government pledged us a zero-waste future, we're all ears, but we won't settle for anything less. 'That's why, on Saturday 19 July, as the school holidays get underway, we're calling on Ocean Activists from Penzance to Porthcawl and everywhere in between to make their voices heard. Whether you're clearing your favourite beach or marching through city streets, communities hold the power to drive change. With Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat. Together, we can become a force impossible for leaders, and polluters, to ignore.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UN Ocean Conference moves high seas treaty closer to global law as India pledges ratification and calls for ocean protection
Representative image (ANI) NEW DELHI: The UN Ocean Conference ended with the 'High Seas Treaty' moving closer to becoming a global law to safeguard life in international waters through long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. A growing international call for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining was one of the highlights of the global meet, which concluded in Nice, France, on Friday. Supporting a robust 'Nice Ocean Action Plan', India, during the conference, urged the international community to finalise the 'Global Plastics Treaty' and invest in science-based solutions to reverse the decline in ocean health. New Delhi also promised to ratify the 'High Seas Treaty' soon and suggested a 10-point roadmap for the future, focusing on sustainable development and ocean governance. One of the core objectives of the five-day conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, was to help bring into force the landmark 'High Seas Treaty'—conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement—adopted in 2023 following 20 years of negotiation. It aims to address the growing biodiversity crisis for ocean life outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists: Losing a Hanging Tummy Comes Down To This 1 Thing newdietdiscovery Learn More Undo The treaty will become law of the seas 120 days after the submission of the sixtieth instrument of ratification. So far, 50 members have already submitted their ratifications, while 15 others, including India and China, have committed to doing it soon. Nineteen out of 50 countries deposited their ratifications during the third UN Conference on the Ocean in Nice. Though the US actively participated in the process when the treaty was adopted in 2023, the country under President Donald Trump took a back seat in Nice. Union earth sciences minister Jitendra Singh, who represented India at the conference, informed the gathering that India was in the process of ratifying the treaty and urged the global community to accelerate the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement. The 10-point roadmap for the future suggested by Singh includes the expansion of marine protected areas; scaling up the blue economy through sustainable fisheries and maritime trade; reducing marine pollution through waste management and circular economy principles, and promoting offshore renewable energy. 'Calls to halt deep-sea mining are growing, with 37 countries now supporting a precautionary pause or outright ban—a hopeful sign of political will to protect fragile ecosystems," said Tom Pickerell, Global Director, Ocean Programme, WRI.
Scoop
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UNOC3: 'Fine Words Must Now Translate Into Action', Greenpeace Comment
Following this UNOC, attention now turns to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings in July. The upcoming ISA provides a space where governments can come together to defend the deep ocean by adopting a moratorium to stop this destructive industry. Nice, France: The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) concluded yesterday with significant progress made towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and a strong statement on a new plastics treaty signed by 95 governments. Once ratified, the Treaty will be the only legal tool that can create protected areas in international waters, making it fundamental to protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. To date 50 countries, plus the European Union, have now ratified the Treaty. New Zealand has signed but is yet to ratify. Deep sea mining rose up the agenda in the conference debates, demonstrating the urgency of opposing this industry. The expectation from civil society and a large group of states, including both co-hosts of UNOC, was that governments would make progress towards stopping deep sea mining in Nice. UN Secretary General Guterres said the deep sea should not become the wild west. French President Macron said a deep sea mining moratorium is an international necessity. Four new countries pledged their support for a moratorium at UNOC bringing the total to 37. Attention now turns to what actions governments will take in July to stop this industry from starting. Megan Randles, Greenpeace Head of Delegation regarding the High Seas Treaty and progress towards stopping deep sea mining said: 'High Seas Treaty ratification is within touching distance, but the progress made here in Nice feels hollow as this UN Ocean Conference ends without more tangible commitments to stopping deep sea mining. 'We've heard lots of fine words here in Nice, but these need to turn into tangible action. Countries must be brave, stand up for global cooperation and make history by stopping deep sea mining this year. They can do this by committing to a moratorium on deep sea mining at next month's International Seabed Authority meeting. We applaud those who have already taken a stand, and urge all others to be on the right side of history by stopping deep sea mining.' Following this UNOC, attention now turns to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings in July. In the face of The Metals Company teaming up with Trump to mine the global oceans, the upcoming ISA provides a space where governments can come together to defend the deep ocean by adopting a moratorium to stop this destructive industry. Negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty resume in August John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director, Greenpeace USA said: 'The majority of countries have spoken when they signed on to the Nice Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty that they want an agreement that will reduce plastic production. Now, as we end the UN Ocean Conference and head on to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva this August, they must act. The world cannot afford a weak treaty dictated by oil-soaked obstructionists. 'The ambitious majority must rise to this moment, firmly hold the line and ensure that we will have a Global Plastic Treaty that cuts plastic production, protects human health, and delivers justice for Indigenous Peoples and communities on the frontlines. Governments need to show that multilateralism still works for people and the planet, not the profits of a greedy few.' Nichanan Thantanwit, Project Leader, Ocean Justice Project said: 'Coastal and Indigenous communities, including small-scale fishers, have protected the ocean for generations. Now they are being pushed aside by industries driving ecological collapse and human rights violations. 'As the UN Ocean Conference ends, governments must recognise small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders, secure their access and role in marine governance, and stop destructive practices such as bottom trawling and harmful aquaculture. There is no ocean protection without the people who have protected it all along.' The anticipated Nice Ocean Action Plan, which consists of a political declaration and a series of voluntary commitments, will be announced later today at the end of the conference. None will be legally binding, so governments need to act strongly during the next ISA meeting in July and at plastic treaty negotiations in August.
