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The latest negotiations towards a global treaty to combat plastic pollution opened in Nairobi yesterday (Monday) with the possibility of a consensus hanging in balance between two groups having different perceptions and approaches on how to handle the situation
The latest negotiations towards a global treaty to combat plastic pollution opened in Nairobi yesterday (Monday) with the possibility of a consensus hanging in balance between two groups having different perceptions and approaches on how to handle the situation. As reported by www.trendsnafrica.com, some 175 countries agreed last year to conclude by 2024 a UN treaty to address the plastic menace, which is causing environmental degradation and health hazards. While there is a consensus on evolving such a consensus, there is wide disagreement among the member countries, on how to implement the scheme.
Plastic pollution is condemned across the world and is adjudged as a direct threat to the environment. The ongoing summit in Kenya (November 13-19) is expected to come out with a draft treaty which will be further discussed. Around 60 so-called “high ambition” nations have called for binding rules to reduce the use and production of plastic, which is made from fossil fuels. This measure is supported by many environmental groups. However, this position is opposed by many plastic-producing economies, including the United States. They have preferred to focus on recycling, innovation, and better waste management. It is expected that the Nairobi conclave will witness some heated exchanges between these two groups. There are more than 2,000 delegates registered, having diverse approaches to end the plastic menace conditioned mostly by their vested interests. Kenyan President William Ruto described plastic pollution as an existential threat to life, to humanity, and everything in between.
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The summit assumes importance since it is taking place just before the crucial climate talks in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates later this month. A major focus of these two summits taking place back-to-back is the financing of the environmental project. Though there is an unprecedented focus on climate change and a switch over to climate-friendly policies, adequate resources are not coming forth to fund such initiatives. Plastic production has doubled in 20 years and in 2019, a total of 460 million tonnes of the stuff was made, according to the OECD.
