SOLUTIONS WITHIN REACH
Influencing the global treaty on plastics action
Agreement of a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution will be a historic moment . With a final draft treaty due by the end of 2024 , the world holds its breath .
The International Legally Binding Instrument ( ILBI ) is the landmark UN resolution that kickstarted negotiations between 200 member states towards a global plastics treaty . Research and analysis from the University of Portsmouth ’ s Global Plastics Policy Centre ( GPPC ) should influence the outcome of negotiations and the shape of the final treaty .
The present world situation is a pick ’ n ’ mix of policy and legislation . For example , the UK and India have banned plastic straws ; India and France have banned plastic bags . Yet in France , you can sip your drink through a disposable plastic straw ; in the UK , you can carry your shopping in a new plastic bag . As they build evidence around efficacy , Portsmouth ’ s researchers provide independent advice on what works from a global perspective .
“ Currently plastics policy tends to be rather fragmented – for policies to work there needs to be a systemic change ,” says Professor Steve Fletcher , Director of Revolution Plastics . “ What ’ s needed is a broad range of policies that interact and support each other , and which consider climate , health , biodiversity loss and economy because they ’ re intrinsically connected .”
In 2023 , the GPPC launched an online ILBI resource to help anyone with an interest stay up-to-date with the complex treaty process . Visitors to plasticspolicy . port . ac . uk can explore an interactive timeline of the treaty process , summaries of key developments , expert analysis , and links to relevant resources . The platform is designed to be accessible and user-friendly , with a focus on providing accurate , relevant and reliable information .
PHOTO : DUSTAN WOODHOUSE / UNSPLASH
Antaya March , Research Lead , says , “ This will be a valuable tool for policymakers , journalists , businesses and anyone else who wants to stay informed about the treaty process . By providing a clear , comprehensive overview of the negotiations and the issues at stake , we hope to demystify the process behind a oncein-a-generation opportunity to bring about real change .”
Supporting pollution solutions in the global south
Plastic waste respects no borders – and the global south is disproportionately affected . Many low-income countries have limited waste disposal infrastructure . The problems caused by inadequate management of plastic waste are compounded by wealthier nations ’ habit of exporting plastic waste to countries where labour and energy costs are lower . Illegal exports make the problem worse still , as unlawful dumpsites proliferate .
40 REVOLUTION PLASTICS / 2023