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Science and statecraft at the second Plastics Treaty negotiation

Diplomats from across the globe descended on Paris, France to continue developing the UN treaty on plastics pollution; Scientist’s Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty members spoke to delegates from every continent, representing 33% of the world’s population; UN secretariat will develop INC-2 synthesis report, create zero draft by INC-3; elements for intersessional work can be submitted until August 15, 2023; INC-3 in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023

UV-328 listed as POP under the Stockholm Convention

11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention lists UV absorber as Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP); first non-halogenated POP under the Convention; also listing of flame retardant dechlorane plus and pesticide methoxychlor in Annex A

First proposals put forward for global treaty to end plastic pollution

Countries are submitting proposals to the UN Environment Program to guide Plastics Treaty development; US proposes treaty focus on downstream effects – reuse and recycling; proposal from 40-nation ‘high ambition coalition’ proposes setting up limits on polymer production, eliminating certain polymers and products; over 60 proposals received so far; stakeholder registration is open for the next negotiating meeting for the Plastics Treaty in Paris, France in May 2023

Developing the science-policy panel on chemicals and pollution

National delegations meet in Thailand to discuss the objectives and responsibilities of the new science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention; in run up to the meeting group of chemical pollution scientists publish article highlighting ten aspects for delegates to consider; non-profit academic organization International Panel on Chemical Pollution hosts webinar on conflicts of interest in chemicals and waste governance

What should be included in UN Plastics Treaty negotiations?

International negotiators prepare for first meeting to negotiate the UN treaty to end plastic pollution; scientists, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies publish reports proposing suggestions for what and how to negotiate; many reports support including controls on chemical additives as part of the treaty

UN committee recommends global ban of UV-328

18th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee recommends global elimination of the UV stabilizer known as UV-328 under the Stockholm Convention; time limited exemptions proposed for some current uses; Convention will review the proposal for finalization in May 2023

Wrestling with the externalities of the plastics supply chain

As the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee of the UN Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution approaches, publications highlight the diverse effects the plastics supply chain has on human health and the environment, particularly the burden on vulnerable communities

UNEA: 175 nations agree to develop plastic pollution treaty

Fifth meeting of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi unanimously agrees to the development of a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution; development process including consultations to begin by end of 2022, treaty expected by the end of 2024

Experts on plastics’ effects urge binding treaty

Scientists with expertise on the effects of chemicals and pollution from plastics urge the United States to support a binding plastics treaty; promote Rwanda and Peru’s resolution as one considering the entire life cycle of plastics

US and France release statement supporting UN plastics treaty

At the One Ocean Summit on February 10, the United States and France delivered a joint statement supporting a global plastics treaty; agree treaty should address whole lifecycle of plastics and include binding commitments

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