Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — An environmental organization has urged world leaders to create a “strong” treaty to end plastic pollution, as members of the United Nations (UN) are set to hold another round of negotiations in crafting an agreement in November.
“Greenpeace calls for a strong treaty that encompasses comprehensive measures, including eliminating plastic pollution from production to disposal, capping and phasing down plastic production, and ensuring a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon, zero-waste, toxic-free, and reuse-based economy,” Greenpeace Philippines Campaigner Marian Ledesma said in a statement Friday.
Ledesma made the call in observance of Plastic Free July.
Started in 2011, Plastic Free July aims raise awareness on plastic use and its effects.
“Plastic pollution is more than just trash in our oceans. With plastic’s overproduction, humanity is at risk,” Ledesma said.
He added that plastic pollution also threatens bioderversity while harming people’s heath and worsening social injustices and the climate crisis.
In 2022, the UN unanimously agreed to develop the Global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040.
During its latest meeting in June, 170 countries agreed to prepare the draft of the treaty and discuss the control measures. 94 countries also placed priority on the bans or phaseouts of polymers, chemicals, and high-risk plastic products in the treaty.
The delegates also sought to craft other control measures to reduce and eliminate production and consumption of plastic products and materials.
The UN plans to complete the final treaty by 2024.
