Home Equality & Justice Activists push for strong global treaty as plastic crisis dominates UN talks

Activists push for strong global treaty as plastic crisis dominates UN talks

As world leaders convene for crucial UN negotiations on a global Plastics Treaty, environmental activists made a bold appeal for urgent action to combat the escalating plastic pollution crisis. 

The demonstration, led by Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth South Korea (KFEM), saw 500 participants form the words “End Plastic” on a beach near the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, where talks are underway.

“We are united in our call for a strong treaty that tackles the plastic pollution crisis head on, demanding action that cuts plastic production at its very source,” said Hemantha Withanage, Chair of Friends of the Earth International.



She emphasized the critical nature of the plastic pollution crisis, noting that every day, the amount of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes is equivalent to 2,000 garbage trucks, causing severe harm to ecosystems and communities.

The treaty negotiations, known as INC-5, aim to establish a legally binding global agreement to address plastic pollution, including its devastating impact on marine ecosystems. 

The discussions bring together representatives from 175 governments, along with environmental groups and other stakeholders.

Lawyer Mai Taqueban, executive director of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines, highlighted the environmental and climate threats posed by unchecked plastic production.

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“With latest reports projecting the growth of plastics overproduction towards contributing 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is urgent for a Global Plastics Treaty to be passed to drastically curb plastics pollution,” Taqueban said.

Taqueban stressed the need for the Philippine government to lead efforts in securing an ambitious plastics treaty, citing the country’s struggle with climate change-induced floods exacerbated by nearly a million tons of mismanaged plastic waste each year.

South Korea, the host nation for the talks, is under pressure to take a strong stance on the treaty.

“As the host of the INC-5 negotiations, South Korea must send a clear message to the international community: a legally binding plastics treaty is no longer optional, but necessary,” said Hyein Yu of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement – Friends of the Earth South Korea.

Hyein Yu highlighted the responsibility of the Korean government to demonstrate leadership by pushing for a strong treaty that addresses the entire life cycle of plastic and aims to reduce its production.

The global call for action was echoed by Ana Maria of the Salvadoran Center for Appropriate Technology – Friends of the Earth El Salvador, who pointed to the disproportionate burden of plastic waste borne by poorer countries.

“Today’s demonstration is part of a growing global movement, following other actions by Friends of the Earth groups worldwide,” she said.

Maria emphasized the need for a comprehensive treaty to tackle the plastic crisis at every stage, from fossil fuel extraction to production, packaging, distribution, and disposal. 

She also highlighted the disproportionate burden on Global South countries, which are being inundated with millions of tonnes of plastic waste from wealthier nations.

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