Nations are finalizing a treaty this weekend in Busan, South Korea, to combat global plastic pollution. Environmental groups are present to advocate for strong measures on plastic production and harmful chemicals. Greenpeace increased its efforts by sending activists to protest at a chemical-loading site.
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace’s lead in Busan, emphasized that world leaders must choose between a treaty that protects health and the environment or siding with industry interests.
Key facts about plastics:
– The world produces over 400 million tons of plastic each year.
– Plastic use has increased fourfold in the last 30 years. Daily, around 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic enter oceans and waterways.
– Nations aim to create a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024.
– Without policy changes, plastic production could rise to 736 million tons by 2040.
– Panama is pushing for action on production growth, backed by over 100 countries.
The largest producers of plastics are China, the United States, and Germany. These three countries make up 33% of global plastic trade.
Currently, less than 10% of plastic is recycled. The majority ends up in landfills, pollutes ecosystems, or is incinerated. Chemicals from plastics can harm human health.
The International Indigenous Peoples Forum wants the treaty to recognize their rights and the right to a clean environment. Juan Mancias, representing the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation, spoke about the spiritual connection to nature and the need for a cleaner future.
Approximately 40% of plastics are used for packaging, including single-use items like water bottles and takeaway containers. U.N. officials stress the need to identify unnecessary plastic products and seek alternatives.
