The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has adopted a resolution calling for a legally binding treaty to combat all levels of plastic pollution on our planet.
The assembly took place online in Nairobi from February 28th through March 3rd, 2022. The theme for the assembly was “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
During the meeting, a consensus emerged for the necessity to tackle plastic pollution globally. The favored approach was a proposal by Peru and Rwanda to tackle pollution at every level of a plastics life cycle, from extraction and manufacture to use and disposal. Delegates hope the legally binding treaties can be finalized by 2024.
Inger Andersen, the U.N. Environment Program Executive Director, told the Independent newspaper:
“For the first time in history, we are seeing unprecedented global momentum to tackle the plague of plastic pollution.”
While Erastus Ooko, the plastics engagement lead for Greenpeace Africa, said:
“Over 140 countries have declared support for opening negotiations on a global plastic treaty. However, support for negotiations is not enough. These countries should be calling for a legally binding treaty that will match the scale and depth of the plastics crisis.”
You can read the resolution here.