In March, there was a collective cheer when United Nations member states adopted a historic resolution to end plastic pollution during the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. Governments agreed to start work on a global, legally binding agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic and that will come into effect in 2024. The decision has been called ambitious, revolutionary, and historic.
On the other hand, I have seen how the most promising policies can go awry when the interests of big businesses are threatened. Corporations pour millions into blocking, delaying, and undermining legislative efforts and global agreements. At the same time, big brands, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestlé, make pledges to cut plastic use but consistently fall short of fulfilling their public commitments.
This is why it is essential that the Global Plastics Treaty immediately limit and reduce total plastic production and use. Cutting the amount of plastic that companies make and use is in line with the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as 99 percent of plastics are made from fossil fuels. Ending the corporate addiction to single-use plastic is a vital step towards addressing climate change and protecting communities.
For this treaty to result in meaningful change, the voices of impacted communities, waste pickers, and populations displaced by plastic pollution have to be heard. Their experiences and knowledge are valuable to ensure that we leave no one behind. More importantly, their authentic and empowered participation in this process is necessary for environmental and climate justice.
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