“UN urged to take action against fossil fuel industry’s interference in Global Plastic Treaty”

UN urged to prevent fossil fuel industry from sabotaging Global Plastic Treaty negotiations

Over 150 civil society groups and scientists, including renowned primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall, have signed an open letter to the United Nations (UN), urging it to take action to prevent the fossil fuel industry from undermining negotiations to agree on an effective Global Plastics Treaty. Negotiations entered their second round (INC2) in Paris on May 29-June 2, 2023. The treaty aims for nations to commit to a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution by 2024. However, since its inception, the fossil fuel industry has been lobbying directly and via industry groups such as the Association to End Plastic Waste and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) to weaken the treaty. Previously leaked documents have revealed ACC’s lobbying to undermine proposals to control runaway plastic production.

The views of scientists and civil society groups worldwide are in direct conflict with the interests of the fossil fuel industry. For them, it is essential that the UN Plastic Treaty agrees on a roadmap for drastically reducing plastic production and ending the use of toxic chemicals. Greenpeace UK’s Global Plastics Campaigner, Louise Edge, has called this treaty a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the plastics crisis and argued that whether the treaty succeeds or fails depends on governments’ boldness to ensure that it delivers what is needed.

However, the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries that profit from plastic are not likely to give up without a fight. They are investing heavily in building more production capacity and petrochemical facilities, and plastic production could double in 10-15 years and triple by 2050, according to industry estimates. Experts warn that we cannot end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production, and are urging the UN to protect its official spaces from the influence of fossil fuel and petrochemical industries.

Philosophical discussion

The issue of plastic pollution is one of the most visible manifestations of the challenges posed by our continued reliance on fossil fuels. Despite increasing concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on people’s health and the environment, plastic production has continued to increase year on year, and it is reported that fossil fuel and petrochemical companies like ExxonMobil, Dow, and Shell are investing heavily in building yet more production capacity and petrochemical facilities.

On the other hand, the impacts of plastics demand a dramatic response, and global consensus is required to make significant progress. The science, as stated by experts, is clear – we will never end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production, and the fossil fuel industry is attempting to weaken the outcomes of the plastic treaty negotiations. Oil and gas companies recognize that their business model is challenged with climate change, and their continued reliance on fossil fuels is becoming increasingly perilous. Investments in plastic production and a lucrative petrochemical market prove to be a lifeline for them.

Editorial

The negotiations of the second round of Global Plastics Treaty are an opportunity for the UN to take a firm stand against the fossil fuel industry’s attempts to hijack the process and weaken the treaty. Governments worldwide have an important role to play in ensuring that the treaty delivers what is needed to address the plastic crisis. Protecting official spaces and adopting a strong conflict of interest policy is critical to ensuring that the fossil fuel and petrochemical industry is not allowed to undermine global goals to tackle plastic pollution.

Experts suggest that giving seats at the UN table to Indigenous Peoples and affected communities impacted by plastic pollution and independent scientists studying its impacts are necessary steps to ensure a just transition towards a future free from plastic pollution.

Advice

Individuals can get actively involved in tackling plastic pollution by reducing their plastic consumption, recycling, and actively advocating for similar measures in their communities. It is crucial also to put pressure on governments to enact policies that significantly reduce plastic use and production while also demanding that companies actively seek out alternatives to plastics.

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