“We are choking on plastic”, the UN chief told an intergovernmental panel tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution on land and water.
Mr. Guterres said: “Every year, humanity produces more than 460 million tons of plastic. “Half of them are designed for single use – use once and then throw away. By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish.”
Request action
Highlighting the fact that people around the world are “demanding” action on plastic pollution, the Secretary-General called on negotiators meeting in Cali to conclude an agreement by the end of 2024 – as the States do. Members made the commitment in September, when they issued the Resolution Pact for the future.
Following discussions in Colombia, which followed several rounds of multilateral meetings since member states agreed by 2022 to find a global solution to end plastic pollution, a fifth and possibly final meeting scheduled to take place in Busan, South Korea from November 25 to December 1.
Mr. Guterres praised Peru and Rwanda for presenting the first proposal at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022, which acknowledged the harmful impact of high and rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution on with human and planetary health.
Although the discussions did not go smoothly, reaching a globally agreed solution is “vital” for humanity and the planet, the UN chief stressed, noting that Plastic pollution is “everywhere – around us and even inside us – from the sea to our blood, to our brains”.
Mr. Guterres added: “We need to act.” “People are asking for it…This is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism, while not always easy, can deliver benefits for people, health and the environment.”
Important service
Many countries have recognized the important role of waste pickers in urban waste management. According to the International Waste Pickers Alliance, workers collect about 60% of all plastic destined for recycling globally.
In line with the UN chief’s call for a fair global treaty that takes into account the needs of waste pickers and others who make a living from collecting plastic, The coalition has promoted international recognition of the vulnerability of many workers who often come from poor and marginalized communities.; others are also survivors of abuse, ethnic minorities, and climate refugees.
These gaps are referenced in the landmark resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly UNEA-5/14 End Plastic Pollution aims to recognize the “significant contribution” of waste pickers in collecting, sorting and recycling plastic in many countries.
