Dalhousie University professor Tony Walker is set to virtually engage with the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Thursday. The committee is currently in its sixth round of discussions regarding a global treaty on plastic pollution. The ongoing session, which commenced on Tuesday and is slated to continue until Aug. 14, involves representatives from 175 countries, including Canada.
Walker acknowledges the progress made by Canada in combating plastic pollution but emphasizes the need for more extensive efforts at both national and global levels. Expressing concerns about potential obstacles to consensus, particularly from countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, Walker highlights the interconnected nature of the global economy and the challenges associated with eliminating plastic production solely within Canada.
He underscores the importance of ongoing consultations with experts like himself by Canada’s INC negotiating team before and after each meeting. The original deadline for the committee was set for December 2024 in Busan, South Korea; however, disagreements among countries led to an impasse.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the chair of the negotiating committee, stresses the shared desire to address plastic pollution effectively while lamenting the lack of a systematic solution to curb it.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for concerted action in light of increasing awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastics, especially microplastics. Walker emphasizes the critical necessity for a global agreement on plastic pollution, given its pervasive presence in various ecosystems.
Despite challenges posed by petroleum-producing nations reluctant to cap plastic production, experts and organizations like Greenpeace advocate for substantial reductions in plastic production by 2040. The Lancet Countdown report highlights the low rate of plastic recycling and the alarming levels of plastic pollution worldwide.
Canada’s active role in the High Ambition Coalition, dedicated to ending plastic pollution by 2040, reflects the country’s strong stance on environmental issues. Walker praises Canada’s commitment to prioritizing human and planetary health over economic interests in the negotiations.
Christa Seaman, representing the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada at the negotiations, emphasizes the importance of fostering plastic circularity and responsible waste management practices. She advocates for a balanced approach that addresses environmental concerns without compromising the benefits of plastics to society.
Seaman underscores the collaborative spirit at the negotiations and the shared goal of reaching a historic agreement to combat plastic pollution effectively. She highlights the importance of aligning nations toward a common goal to achieve circularity and eliminate plastic pollution.
Tim Rodgers, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia, underscores the significance of addressing gaps in measuring and managing chemicals in plastics globally. He emphasizes the need for transparency in product composition and the entire lifecycle of plastics, beyond just waste management considerations.