Global Plastics Treaty
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time, with devastating consequences for ecosystems, communities, and the health of humans and animals. In Australia, it’s estimated that 145,000 tonnes of plastic enters our environment each year – over 250 kg a minute.
The global and growing scale of plastic pollution demands coordinated international action, which is why nations around the world are working toward a collaborative solution through a Global Plastics Treaty. The treaty is being negotiated under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through a series of International Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings.
INC-5 Busan
In November 2024, Australia joined nations gathering in Busan, South Korea for INC-5 – the fifth, and final round of scheduled negotiations to finalise the Global Plastics Treaty text. The ambitious timeline, set in 2022, was to have the treaty text finalised at INC-5.
It’s with immense thanks to our supporters that I attended INC-5, joined by Rangers and Chair of Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation. Dhimurru has been advocating for treaty measures that address the full lifecycle of plastic fishing and aquaculture gear, due to the impact that lost, abandoned and discarded fishing gear is having on sea Country in Northeast Arnhem Land.
Throughout the week, AMCS, Dhimurru Rangers, and countless civil society groups fought for treaty text that would meet the intended goal of ending plastic pollution, including actions to prevent plastic fishing and aquaculture gear from becoming marine pollution.
AMCS hosted a panel presentation with Global Ghost Gear Initiative, Environmental Justice Foundation and Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation on the sidelines of INC-5.
At INC-5 we saw a series of papers developed, text continuously updated, and closed-door negotiations continuing late into the night. Disappointingly, however, it became clear as the week continued that an agreement would not be reached in Busan, despite the urgency of the plastic pollution crisis.
The majority of countries pushed for a comprehensive, full-lifecycle approach to ending plastic pollution. However a handful of nations delayed progress by calling for weaker measures that would protect industries tied to the production of plastic (such as the fossil fuel sector).
Whilst countries failed to meet the deadline, there was still substantial progress made at INC-5, and the global momentum to tackle plastic pollution remains strong. In Busan, we saw over 100 countries come together, united, in calls for a strong treaty that ends plastic pollution. Key areas of alignment included managing chemicals of concern and ending plastic pollution at the source by capping the production and use of plastics.
A recap of the INC-5 outcomes is available here.
What’s next?
The Global Plastics Treaty is currently being negotiated by consensus. This means that in order to be finalised, all countries must agree to all aspects of the text. This risks the development of a treaty that doesn’t stop the ever-growing tide of plastics entering our oceans and harming marine life.
Treaty negotiations will continue in 2025, the time and date of the reconvened session of INC-5 (INC-5.2) is still to be determined.
Thank you to our supporters who are making it possible for AMCS to attend these important negotiations, advocate for global solutions to our plastic crisis, and ensure that we have a strong treaty that our oceans need.
I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration and what is possible when people come together. I’m excited by the opportunity that the Global Plastics Treaty provides for our oceans, but our marine life cannot afford inaction and delays. Time is critical, action is imperative, and collaboration is crucial to finalising a strong plastics treaty at INC-5.2.