US EditionA Global Treaty to Limit Plastic Pollution Is Within Reach—Will Countries Seize the Moment?
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, JUL 22 – The treaty aims to impose binding caps on plastic production to address pollution, with over 100 nations supporting limits despite opposition from fossil fuel interests.
- In August, delegates from 175 nations will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in the concluding discussions aimed at establishing a legally enforceable United Nations agreement to tackle plastic pollution.
- This summit comes after negotiations in Busan, South Korea last year were unable to resolve key issues related to production limits, preventing an agreement from being reached.
- The treaty seeks to limit the amount of plastic produced, eliminate harmful substances, and ensure that those responsible for pollution are held accountable, while some nations advocate for less stringent measures centered on recycling and waste management.
- Annually, plastic production exceeds 450 million tonnes, yet only about 9% undergo recycling; meanwhile, approximately 139 million tonnes contaminate aquatic environments, and microplastics have been detected within the human body.
- The outcome will influence global efforts to curb pollution and climate risks, but unresolved divisions risk weakening the treaty and its environmental impact.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Plastics lobby exerts heavy influence over global treaty talks, insiders warn
Scientists and environmental groups say petrochemical companies and oil-producing nations are dominating United Nations negotiations to curb plastic pollution, undermining efforts to limit production.Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.In short:Lobbyists from major plastics and fossil fuel companies outnumber scientists and some national delegations at treaty talks, giving them access to sensitive sessions and shaping negotiations.More th…
A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach—will countries seize the moment?
Representatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organizations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all be hoping to influence what could be the world's first truly global agreement on plastics.
The Conversation
Nation.CymruA global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach – will countries seize the moment?
Bandung, Indonesia. Sony Herdiana/ShutterstockRepresentatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organisations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all be hoping to influence what could be the world’s first truly global agreement on plastics. The summit, known as “INC-5.2”, f…
Green Growth, Not Green Guilt: Rethinking Plastics Policy Amid UN Treaty Talks
This piece was initially published here in The National Interest. In a “soul-searching” exercise, Democrats have quickly learned just how much Americans care about the cost of living. Even in California, policymakers are recognizing the unpopularity of costly and, in most instances, ineffective climate mandates, regulations, and lawsuits. Instead, policymakers on both sides of the aisle should embrace innovations that lower costs for consumers a…
UN international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution: Considerations for the final round of negotiations
UN international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution: Considerations for the final round of negotiations storres.ieefa Thu, 07/24/2025 - 17:15 Briefing Note Petrochemicals Regulation Plastics cover image.jpg Swathi Seshadri Swathi Seshadri is an Energy Specialist, Petrochemicals, South Asia. Her work focuses on the petrochemical industry, investments in the sector and drivers of the industry. Go to Profile Abhishek Sinha Abh…
Network meeting of the digital educational platform fabuly How do we manage to make our everyday life more environmentally friendly – without losing quality of life? How can we tackle global problems such as the (plastic) flood or waste of resources locally? Answers to these questions were provided by the network meeting of the digital educational platform fabuly, where committed people from municipalities, education, culture and civil society c…
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