Plastic Soup Foundation’s Post

Negotiators from 176 countries are convening in Ottawa to expedite the creation of a global treaty aimed at eliminating plastic waste within 20 years. Led by Canada's environment minister, Steven Guilbeault, the discussions underscore the urgent need to address the environmental and health impacts of plastic proliferation. This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step towards mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.

It was an honor to be part of this distinguished panel of experts to answer the question: how do we ensure that a Global Treaty on Plastics addresses the issue at its root: ending production of virgin plastic, refilling, making existing plastics less toxic and stop lying to the public about recycling.

"This group is in sharp contrast with the self-declared “high-ambition coalition”, a group of more than 60 countries led by Rwanda and Norway pushing for an international legally binding document to see the end of plastic pollution by 2040. Australia is part of the high-ambition group." Read more about the #plasticstreaty negotiations in this article by Lowy Institute, Australia’s leading think tank. https://lnkd.in/dmPUnsdH

Sierra Leone participates in the Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations in Ottawa, Canada. This year’s World Earth Day Celebration 2024, brought together world leaders in Ottawa Canada to combat one of the most severe environmental challenges: plastic pollution. The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) marked the start of a global push to secure a treaty addressing plastic pollution to create a plastic-free future. The treaty's scope is to reflect the requirements of Resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment Assembly, which includes eradicating plastic pollution throughout the whole life cycle of all plastics and addressing its effects on human health and the environment, particularly the marine environment. The instrument will encourage sustainable product design and eliminate the most hazardous and high-risk plastic categories, such as problematic polymers, chemicals of concern, items, and applications. It will raise overall plastic output to a sustainable level. The Sierra Leone delegation led by the Chief Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL), Sheku Kanneh, Edwin Baimba, Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs, Compliance and Enforcement,Tamba Sangbah Esq, and the Senior Environmental Officer, Isha Timbo, will contribute to the discussion in developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of Plastic, including its production, design and disposal. Sierra Leone, like many developing nations, will be able to make a solid argument for favourable adoption into legislative instruments on issues such as technology transfer, capacity building, just transition, and funding mechanisms, among others. Sierra Leone is on the verge of creating legislation on plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment; this negotiation will help the delegate to have a better understanding of the international convention and guarantee that the national plastic legislation follows it. During the event, the Sierra Leone delegation will have the opportunity to meet with key partners such as the Director General of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the focal point and founder of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), and its implementing partners (International Union for Conservation of Nature and GRID-Arendal-Norway). These discussions will provide an opportunity to discuss prospective collaborations and support for government initiatives, instilling confidence and hope for a plastic-free future. #INC-4 #BeatPlasticPollution

TOWARDS A PLASTIC TREATY, INTERVIEW WITH ERICA CIRINO While the 4 rounds of negotiations on a Global Plastic Treaty are under way in Ottawa, formally the INC-4 process, (https://lnkd.in/db6APHT5), over the last past days, I had the opportunity to interview Erica Cirino, activist and Communications Manager of the Plastic Pollution Coalition ( https://lnkd.in/d9CDABPt) and also author of "Thicker than Water" a book on solving the plastic crisis (https://lnkd.in/dghXmESn). If you decide to read the interview, you will understand the complexities of the issue but also what the global and local civil society is trying to do. Also you will learn about how the petrol-chemical industry is playing its game and try to slow down/avoid/deny the fact that plastic is a problem and how litigation can help the "good" cause. #plastic #sdgs #sustainability #oceans

Plastics and human rights event today with High Ambition Coalition Members Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Peru, experts and United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights Marcos Orellana, United Nations Human Rights and World Health Organization. The 65 Ministers of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution have underlined the scientific evidence of negative impacts on the environment and on human health related to plastic pollution, the need for a precautionary approach, the UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and the need to protect human rights of persons in vulnerable situations across the plastics life cycle, including children, women, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, coastal communities, waste-pickers and other workers in informal or cooperative settings. https://lnkd.in/dxStBCMm https://lnkd.in/dq8j2nQ3

On my way to Ottawa for INC 4 of the #plasticpollutiontreaty negotiations which start next week. Hopeful that this is the meeting where we start to lock in some meaningful outcomes. It is sometimes too easy to forget about what's happening in the world out there when you're sitting in the conference rooms fighting for your own national or organisational interests. But the outside world is drowning in plastic pollution and we all agree that we urgently need to do something about it. So let's not sweat the small stuff, let's agree on the few big things that we need to get across the line in these negotiations. Let's start with a strong set of global rules to help us eliminate the most problematic plastics and start aligning all countries around the world on some key measures like EPR and design rules for reuse and recycling. These are imminently doable, so let's do it #noplasticsinnature Business For A Plastics Treaty

Of the 35000 plastic types in production only require 7 high quality and durable for long life products easy to recycle

Despite the undeniable evidence of the threat to people and planet alike, we continue to produce plastic goods at an alarming rate. The absence of global rules governing the plastic value chain is leading to unprecedented pollution levels. A report by Dalberg for WWF emphasizes the inequitable burden of plastic pollution on vulnerable populations. Read our article on the need for coordinated global efforts focusing on systemic change, equity, and innovation: https://bit.ly/3S4Uw8t #PlasticPollution #GlobalAction

🌏 Transforming Plastic Use: Australia's Role in Shaping a Sustainable Future at the Plastic Treaty Talks 🌍 As the global community rallies to confront plastic pollution, the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution (#HAC) is spearheading efforts to forge a comprehensive, legally binding international treaty by the end of 2024. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for environmental governance and presents a unique opportunity for Australian businesses and policymakers to lead on sustainability. 🔍 Key Developments: - The HAC, including Australia among its 64 members, is advocating for stringent measures to drastically reduce the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers and align global operations with the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement. - A focus on net-zero GHG emissions in the plastics sector aims to integrate climate action with pollution control, reflecting targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions. 📈 Business and Policy Implications: - Regulatory Compliance: Australian companies need to prepare for substantive international compliance requirements that could affect their operational practices and market access. - Innovation in Sustainability: There is an increased demand for innovative materials and circular economy practices that could redefine industry standards and open new market opportunities. - Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with global entities will be crucial. Engaging early in treaty discussions can position businesses as leaders in sustainable practices and influence policy developments. 🌐 Why This Matters: The treaty discussions underscore the urgent need for a coordinated global response to plastic pollution that encompasses environmental, economic, and social dimensions. For Australia, this is not just about compliance but about seizing the opportunity to drive international policy and commercial advantage in the green economy. 💬 We Want to Hear From You: How do you see these developments influencing your business strategy and sustainability goals? What actions should Australian leaders take to ensure they are at the forefront of these critical discussions? 🔗 Read more about the HAC's initiatives and how they align with global sustainability goals. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcTvaQ8h Chris Foley Barry Cosier Kate Noble Cameron McKenzie Mary Stewart Nathan Brogden Scott Edwards Peter Richmond Romily Webster Lisa McLean Jason Graham-Nye Kevin Werksman Angela Hoefnagels Ryan Swenson Maria Neguț Jessica Wundke Kat Heinrich #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #ClimateAction #NetZero #GlobalLeadership #BCSDA #AustralianBusiness #EnvironmentalImpact #CircularEconomy