Researcher reflects on stalled global plastic treaty
The fifth meeting of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, concluded without a finalized global treaty on plastic pollution. We spoke with Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth, researcher within the FRAM centre for Future chemical Risk Assessment and Management at the University of Gothenburg, who participated in the negotiations, to gain insights into the outcomes, her reflections on the process, and the next steps.
What are your thoughts on the outcomes of the INC-5 meeting?
“The suspension of the meeting without a finalized treaty is undoubtedly disappointing. However, it's important to recognize the progress made in certain areas. Discussions have increasingly acknowledged the need to address not only waste management but also the upstream factors contributing to plastic pollution, such as production levels and the hazardous chemicals involved. This shift in focus is a positive development, even if a comprehensive agreement remains elusive.”
How do you reflect on the negotiation process and the role of scientific input?
“The negotiation process has been complex and, at times, challenging. A significant concern has been the influence of fossil fuel industry lobbyists, whose presence has led to the dissemination of mis- and disinformation, causing confusion and delays. This underscores the critical importance of independent scientific input to ensure that policies are grounded in robust evidence. The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty has been instrumental in providing this support, striving to keep discussions aligned with scientific realities.”
What do you see as the next steps following the INC-5 meeting?
“With negotiations set to continue in 2025, it's crucial to maintain momentum. The focus should be on developing legally binding global and national reduction targets, regulating hazardous chemicals in plastics, and ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain. Independent scientists will continue to support decision-makers by providing evidence-based insights to guide the development of an ambitious and effective global plastics treaty. Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, rights holders, and stakeholders is essential to achieve a sustainable future free from plastic pollution.”
- Professor Carney Almroth founded and is co-coordinating the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
- The coalition consist of more than 420 scientists from 65 countries, and they support delegates with science in the negotiating process.
- Over 1,000 independent scientists have signed a declaration urging UN negotiators to agree on a comprehensive and ambitious global plastics treaty by 2040.
- The coalition represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of an effective global plastics agreement.
