Daily discharge of 30,000 metric tonnes of plastic into the seas and oceans, a persistent pollution issue

In August, negotiations for the Global Plastic Treaty will commence in Geneva, with the aim of addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution. However, progress remains at risk due to a minority of oil-producing nations that systematically block the advancement of negotiations.

These countries oppose binding regulations, viewing them as a threat to their important market. As a result, an ambitious and legally binding agreement has yet to be adopted. This impasse is a worrying development, as the Global Plastic Treaty 2025 presents an opportunity to prevent more plastics from ending up in global waters and to seek solutions and alternatives to stop the production of this material.

The report "Plastics, Health and One Planet," co-authored with the University of Birmingham, summarizes nearly 200 peer-reviewed scientific studies on the potential risks of plastic pollution. The findings are alarming, with micro and nano plastics (MnP) and plastic additives linked to serious biological effects such as endocrine disruption, hormone-related cancers, reproductive problems, infertility, and chronic respiratory diseases.

The stalemate in negotiations is not a new phenomenon. Previous attempts to conclude the treaty have failed due to lack of consensus. However, legitimate and established mechanisms in international law, such as voting or forming a majority coalition outside the INC process, have been used at key historical moments.

The precautionary principle, which allowed action to be taken against substances that deplete the ozone layer before scientific consensus was fully established, has been key to successful international agreements. It is hoped that this principle will guide the negotiations, enabling the adoption of measures that address plastic pollution despite the ongoing opposition from some countries.

Every day, 30,000 tons of plastic reach the oceans, posing a significant threat to marine life and the health of our planet. Failing to reach a solid agreement in Geneva will make the task of facing this crisis more expensive and severe.

In light of these challenges, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) urges world governments to use all available procedural mechanisms to ensure an ambitious and legally binding treaty. Such a treaty must include global bans on the most harmful plastic products and chemicals, international product design regulations, financial and technical support for developing countries, and mechanisms to update the treaty over time.

The Global Plastic Treaty negotiations must not be undermined by a small minority of countries that refuse to accept scientific evidence. The health of our planet and the future of our species depend on it.

Daily discharge of 30,000 metric tonnes of plastic into the seas and oceans, a persistent pollution issue