Ottawa: A Step Towards Solving Global Plastic Pollution
A fourth and penultimate round of UN-led negotiations to address global plastic pollution recently concluded in Ottawa. The talks aimed to establish a world-first pact by the end of the year, with the goal of ending plastic pollution by 2040. While the negotiations showed promise, there was no agreement on implementing a cap on plastic production, which proved to be a major point of contention.
Global Efforts to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Delegates from 175 countries and observers gathered in Ottawa to discuss a draft treaty on ending the widespread issue of plastic pollution. Plastics can be found in various environments, from mountaintops to ocean depths, and even within human blood and breast milk. This round of negotiations built upon the progress made during previous talks in Kenya, with a focus on developing concrete language for the treaty.
The Shift Towards Treaty Language
One of the positive outcomes of the Ottawa talks was the shift from vague objectives to treaty language. This change was welcomed by Canadian parliamentary secretary Julie Dabrusin and other participants. The discussions also aimed to streamline options presented during the previous negotiations in Kenya. However, despite these advancements, the proposed cap on plastic production did not find its way into the draft text, leading to ongoing disagreements among stakeholders.
While there is a broad consensus on the need for a treaty, environmental activists advocating for a reduction in plastic production face opposition from oil-producing nations and the plastics industry, which favors recycling as a solution. The debate between recycling and production cuts is a crucial aspect of the negotiations.
The Importance of Reducing Plastic Production
Environmental groups stress the importance of addressing primary plastic polymers under the treaty. They argue that it is impossible to effectively combat plastic pollution without reducing the overall amount of plastic being produced. Greenpeace’s Graham Forbes emphasizes this point, stating, “You cannot end plastic pollution if you do not reduce the amount of plastic we produce.”
Plastic production has more than doubled in the past 20 years, reaching a staggering 460 million tons annually. If left unchecked, this figure is projected to triple within the next four decades. The success of the treaty hinges on its ability to address and reduce plastic production. Recycling alone is not sufficient to solve the problem.
Challenges and Perspectives
The discussions in Ottawa revealed contrasting views on how to approach plastic pollution. G7 environment ministers, who met in Italy, were expected to commit to reducing plastic production. However, no specific agreement was reached during their meeting.
Peru and Rwanda proposed a motion to cut plastic production by 40 percent over the next 15 years, aligning with the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Unfortunately, the motion was defeated. The plastics industry, represented by Chris Jahn from the International Council of Chemical Associations, expresses a commitment to a legally binding agreement on plastic waste. However, they emphasize the importance of considering the societal benefits that plastics provide for a healthier and more sustainable world.
Recycling, often seen as a potential solution, faces its own challenges. Alejandra Parra from Latin America argues that recycling is a “false option” due to the limitations and inefficiencies in the process. Not all plastics can be recycled, and the process itself can release toxins and carbon emissions. Additionally, the collection and sorting of recyclable plastics can be relatively expensive.
As the negotiations progress towards the final round in South Korea in November, finding common ground on reducing plastic production while considering the societal benefits of plastics remains a significant challenge. Balancing environmental concerns with economic considerations will be crucial in reaching a global agreement to combat plastic pollution effectively.
Source: The Manila Times
