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.
Distinguished Chair and Members of the INC, We represent a group of independent scientists mobilized by the International Science Council, the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, delegates from the Global Council for Science and the Environment, lead authors of the report of the Minderoo Monaco Commission on Plastic and Human Health, Endocrine Society,[…]
Response to the Zero Draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (UNEP/PP/INC.3/4) The Scientists’ Coalition present our reflections and contributions to the Zero Draft text. Download the full response (english) We highlight the following five key requirements: Time-bound, legally-binding primary plastic polymer reduction targets for each[…]
There are no internationally agreed definitions of plastics alternatives nor plastics substitutes. Sound definitions will support fully informed treaty negotiations, and this fact sheet introduces key distinctions and considerations. Download PDF
This fact sheet is intended to support fully informed global plastics treaty negotiations by clarifying the terminology used to describe plastics as “polymers” or “materials” and not plastics as “products”. In other words, this fact sheet explains plastics as the material that is produced and later manufactured into, for example, drink bottles, or takeaway containers.[…]
Plastic Removal Technologies (PRTs) promise to improve environmental quality by removing plastics from the environment, but they can also threaten biodiversity. Almost no environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are done on PRTs. Unselective PRTs can alter habitats and catch plants and animals. Manual collection selectively removes plastic, but it is limited in efficiency and effectiveness. Municipalities[…]