Global push to curb plastic pollution: Can Geneva talks deliver a treaty?
Plastic is responsible for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a footprint greater than that of the aviation and shipping industries combined. Oceans are already bearing the brunt of this pollution. A recent study reveals that the upper layers of the North Atlantic alone contain 27 million tonnes of microplastics.These tiny particles are now pervasive, not just in water but also in soil, crops, animals, and even human blood. Their ability to bioaccumulate, gradually build up in living organisms, makes them particularly dangerous, contributing to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Observers noted greater clarity on 'red lines' regarding plastic production limits. (Photo: Getty)
High Stakes in Geneva: Will the World Unite?Dr. Melanie Bergmann of the Alfred Wegener Institute emphasised the significance of the upcoming talks:'Ideally, we will achieve in Geneva that the global community, or at least large parts of it, commit to a strong agreement that is based on scientific facts and recognises how harmful plastic is to humans and nature.'However, during the last round of negotiations in December 2024 in Seoul, efforts to reach a consensus collapsed. While Latin American, African, and several EU countries pushed for strict controls, they faced resistance from oil-producing nations, Canada, the U.S., and India—all of which have economic stakes tied to petroleum, a key raw material in plastic production. Despite the stalemate, observers noted greater clarity on 'red lines' regarding plastic production limits and chemical regulation.Dr. Bergmann added, 'The delegations must use diplomacy to bring their positions closer together, despite geopolitical tensions and differing interests, to create a basis for successful cooperation.'The Path Forward: Cut at the SourceTo effectively address plastic-related emissions, experts say production must be cut by 12–17% each year. Dr. Bergmann stressed the importance of upstream intervention:'Scientific calculations show that effective measures must start at the production level. We should limit production to unavoidable applications, reduce chemical diversity from the design stage, and phase out substances of concern.'A Treaty Within Reach?The road ahead will require science-driven decisions, political will, and global cooperation. If nations can put the planet over profit, a binding agreement may finally emerge, offering hope in the fight against one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.- EndsMust Watch
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