Over 90 member states gathered at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, to make a monumental declaration supporting the
“Nice Wake Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty.”
This declaration signifies a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution on a global scale. The call is clear: there is an urgent need to reduce both the production and consumption of plastic worldwide.
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, emphasized the significance of this declaration by stating,
“The Nice Declaration is the wake-up call the world needs. Governments are finally acknowledging that we cannot tackle plastic pollution without addressing its root cause – excessive plastic production.”
Forbes highlighted that the crisis stems from the continuously rising production of plastics, largely propelled by fossil fuel giants. He underscored that prioritizing children’s health over corporate profits is paramount. The push for a legally binding global cap on plastic production and stringent regulations to phase out harmful plastic products and chemicals signals a pivotal shift towards concrete actions rather than mere discussions.
Despite previous talks being mired in bureaucratic circles, with little progress made as oceans suffer from plastic contamination, bodies face toxicity, and climate change worsens due to these issues. The emphasis now lies on translating words into meaningful action during INC-5.2 in Geneva this August.
Forbes stressed that commitments must be more than lip service; they must translate into tangible outcomes devoid of loopholes or concessions to vested interests in fossil fuels and petrochemicals. A robust treaty should prioritize slashing plastic production levels significantly, holding polluters accountable, and safeguarding communities most affected by this crisis.
This profound statement echoes beyond governmental corridors; civil society organizations also voiced their support for the Nice Declaration through 234 signed endorsements. It underscores a growing consensus among various stakeholders regarding the urgency of tackling plastic pollution effectively.
In conclusion, Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Campaign Media Lead at Greenpeace USA encapsulates it best when she says,
“The call for action is clear – we need tangible solutions backed by strong commitments to combat plastic pollution head-on.”
As nations gear up for INC-5.2 in Geneva later this year to deliberate on actualizing these aspirations into reality through policy frameworks with teeth—ones capable of instigating transformative changes—it remains imperative that all stakeholders remain resolute in their dedication towards combating one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution.
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