Abstract: The global plastics treaty (GPT) mandates the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to create binding rules based on the best available science, traditional knowledge, knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local knowledge systems (Res 5/14). The knowledge and practices of Indigenous Pacific Island Peoples are deeply rooted in a respectful and mutual co-existence with the natural world. New materials, products, and technologies offer advantages, yet bring pollutants that were not present pre-colonization. Plastic pollution harms sustainability, ecosystems, culture, economies, health, and well-being. Polymers and petrochemicals are not produced in the region. Nevertheless, Pacific Islands communities are severely impacted by plastic pollution from the increasing volumes of plastics entering the region via trade, tourism, fishing, and tidal flows – and never leaving.
It is important to recognize that removal efforts alone cannot solve the plastic problem and that they fail to address the scale or wider issues of plastic pollution. The only sustainable, safe, long-term, and effective solution to the global plastics crisis is to significantly reduce, simplify and detoxify plastic polymers and products, and to establish[…]
The final INC meeting of the Plastics Treaty negotiation is rapidly upon us, and a new process with revived momentum is underway with the Chair’s non-paper. The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty has been supporting delegates, negotiators and other actors in accessing robust, independent scientific evidence to support decision making, and we have[…]
Plastics are a source of pollution throughout their full life cycle, releasing hazardous chemicals, macroplastics, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), and greenhouse gases (GHG) to the entire ecosphere. This policy brief focuses on the direct and indirect human health hazards associated with all forms of plastic pollution across the plastics life cycle. Read and download the[…]
Plastics are a source of pollution throughout their entire life cycle from extraction, involving releases of greenhouse gases (GHGs), micro- and nanoplastic (MNPs) contamination, and hazardous chemicals such as endocrine disruptors, causing exposure to humans and the environment. This policy brief focuses on plastic chemicals of concern, which spans from extraction of feedstocks, through conversions[…]
This policy brief addresses the issue of microplastic pollution and highlights the need for global policy interventions to reduce microplastic emissions and safeguard ecosystems and public health. Read and download it here: ENGLISH VERSION -> Addressing Microplastic Pollution via the Global Plastic Treaty_Scientists’ Coalition_21.08.24_v2 VERSION FRANÇAISE -> Lutter contre la pollution microplastique via le Traité[…]