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Forbes
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Campaigners Hopeful As Plastic Treaty Negotiations Set To Resume
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 29: Surfers walk near debris including a plastic bottle washed up ... More on the beach by large waves on December 29, 2023 in El Segundo, California. Dangerous surf churned up by storms in the Pacific is impacting much of California's coastline with coastal flooding possible in some low-lying areas. (Photo by) Delegates and observers from around the world will gather next month in Geneva, Switzerland, for the next round of negotiations for a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution. The negotiations started in 2022, after more than 170 nations backed a historic UN resolution to end plastic pollution, with an international legally binding agreement. The talks initially concluded in December 2024, when no agreement was reached. Next month's meeting in Geneva will be the first-time negotiators have met since last year, but the question remains – will there be a breakthrough or not? The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's executive lead for plastics and finance, Rob Opsomer said he was hopeful for the next round of talks, in an interview. Opsomer added governments have really engaged and more preparatory work has been done since the last round in South Korea, which finished in December 2024 without a final agreement. He said there have been a number of major multilateral environmental deals agreed in the last six months, including the International Maritime Organisation deal on net-zero regulations for global shipping, a global strategy to finance biodiversity and a global science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution. 'All of these are quite difficult and politically charged topics, and all of these have come to an agreement in the first half of 2025,' he told me. 'These agreements have shown that it is possible for multilateralism to deliver in the current world climate.' And in June, more than 90 governments around the world signed a joint declaration for an 'effective and ambitious' global plastic pollution treaty. Opsomer added one of the biggest points of contention at the next round of negotiations will be around reducing the amount of virgin plastics produced every year, with a large group of countries insisting it be part of the final agreement. He said another key sticking point will be around limiting the use of 'chemicals of concern' and financing arrangements for low-income countries. But Opsomer added there is a more common ground around the harmonization of product design. He said a more standardised approach would mean items like plastic bottles become more economically viable to collect, sort and reprocess. 'What we really are aiming for in Geneva this summer is an agreement, which has all the key elements and should be an agreement across the full life cycle of plastics, and which sets us up a process that can be strengthened over time,' added Opsomer. The WWF's vice president for plastic waste and business, Erin Simon said it wants member states to come together and finish what they started in 2022, in an email. Simon added countries need to agree on the language for a treaty, so the world can work together to finally end plastic pollution. 'Leaders need to find common ground and put country interest aside, while finding ways to maximize their collective power,' she told me. 'The treaty should include key elements and agreement on where alignment matters most – including defining what is problematic and how to make products moving forward, as well as capacity building and a plan for financing this major shift.' And the chairman and chief executive of S.C. Johnson, Dr. Fisk Johnson said plastic leaking into the environment is a huge planetary issue that affects us all, in a statement. Dr. Johnson added government regulation is crucial to tackling the plastic pollution crisis and voluntary efforts, while well-meaning, can only go so far. He said he hoped the new negotiations would lead to a broad agreement on some basic things and there is a mechanism in place to strengthen the treaty over time. 'If we miss the opportunity to reach even the most rudimentary agreement, I fear it will be years before things get started again, and by then we will have lost way too much ground,' said Dr. Johnson.
Sustainability Times
01-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Scientists Issue Red Alert': Disturbing Discovery in Remote Indian Ocean Reveals Hidden Crisis Spanning the Entire Marine Ecosystem
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Scientists discovered microplastics in the remote Chagos Marine Protected Area, highlighting their far-reaching impact. in the remote Chagos Marine Protected Area, highlighting their far-reaching impact. 🐠 The presence of microplastics threatens marine life, particularly species like manta rays that ingest these particles. 🌍 Microplastics have been found globally, from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas, raising concerns over their effects on health and food security. 🤝 Efforts to combat this issue include reducing plastic usage and supporting a global plastics treaty to curb production. Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern, infiltrating even the most remote parts of our planet. Recent studies reveal that these pollutants have traveled vast distances, reaching secluded regions like the Chagos Marine Protected Area in the Indian Ocean. The presence of microplastics in such isolated locations underscores the pervasive nature of this pollution problem. This discovery raises alarming questions about the impact on marine life and human health, urging immediate global action to mitigate the crisis. Microplastics Invade Remote Ecosystems The discovery of microplastics in the Chagos Marine Protected Area highlights a disturbing trend: these tiny plastic particles are infiltrating even the most remote ecosystems. This area, known for its diverse marine life, is now at risk due to pollution from afar. Scientists express particular concern for species like manta rays, which are filter feeders. These creatures may ingest large amounts of microplastics, potentially affecting their health and reproductive capabilities. Jessica Savage, a lead author of the study, emphasizes that plastic pollution knows no boundaries, calling for global cooperation to tackle this systemic issue. The Chagos Marine Protected Area serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of human activity. Even areas designed to safeguard marine biodiversity are not immune to the effects of pollution. This finding is a call to action, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the spread of microplastics and protect vulnerable ecosystems worldwide. The Global Threat of Microplastics Microplastics are a growing global threat, contaminating environments far and wide. Beyond the Indian Ocean, these pollutants have been discovered in remote regions such as the Himalayas, illustrating their widespread reach. Environmentalists have long warned about the dangers of plastic waste, and their concerns are increasingly validated by scientific research. The toxic chemicals used in manufacturing plastics are linked to various health issues, including infertility, cancer, and lung disease. Moreover, the infiltration of microplastics into the food chain poses a threat to food security, with some fish species facing a high extinction risk due to the combined effects of overfishing, rising temperatures, and pollution. Understanding the full extent of microplastic pollution is crucial for developing effective solutions. As researchers continue to uncover the impacts on both human health and the environment, the urgency for action becomes more apparent. Addressing microplastics requires a coordinated global response, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to reduce plastic production and consumption. Efforts to Combat Microplastic Pollution Various initiatives are underway to combat the microplastic crisis, focusing on reducing plastic usage and promoting sustainable practices. One effective strategy is to repurpose containers and packaging, thereby minimizing the demand for new plastic products. Additionally, supporting a global plastics treaty could significantly curb the production and consumption of plastics, aligning international efforts to tackle this pervasive issue. Organizations like Moms Clean Air Force are actively engaging communities to advocate for children's health and environmental protection. Through petitions and awareness campaigns, they encourage collective action to reduce plastic pollution. By joining these efforts, individuals can contribute to creating a healthier planet for future generations. Join the Fight Against Microplastics Addressing the microplastic crisis requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and governments worldwide. Engaging in initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and support legislative measures can make a significant difference. By reducing personal plastic consumption and advocating for systemic change, we can help mitigate the impact of microplastics on our planet. As we continue to discover the far-reaching effects of microplastics, the question remains: What more can we do to protect our oceans and ensure a sustainable future for all living beings? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
