This week, Ottawa is hosting representatives from 176 countries for critical negotiations aimed at crafting a global treaty to eradicate plastic waste within two decades. These discussions, marking the fourth of five planned sessions, strive to finalize an agreement by year’s end.
The urgency to address the plastic crisis is driven by its pervasive use due to low cost and durability, which paradoxically leads to persistent environmental contamination and growing health concerns. Canada’s Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, who initiated these discussions at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya in 2022, emphasized the need for swift action to mitigate plastic pollution from both an environmental and health perspective. Guilbeault advocates for a decisive treaty by 2040, yet hesitates to endorse a definitive cap on plastic production.
The talks focus on key areas including production caps, reducing common environmental pollutants, and addressing hazardous chemicals in plastic production. Over 13,000 chemicals are employed in manufacturing plastics, with many being highly toxic and capable of leaching into the environment. These include flame retardants and various additives that enhance plastic properties but are linked to serious health risks.
Mismanagement of plastic waste remains a critical issue, particularly in developing economies where it often exceeds safe handling capacities. In contrast, affluent nations continue to export waste, violating international standards, as demonstrated by investigative reports uncovering Canadian waste in overseas communities.
Environmental advocates, including Greenpeace, push for a substantial reduction in plastic production, asserting that recycling is largely ineffective with most materials still ending up in landfills. The treaty discussions also explore creating a circular economy, promoting product design that facilitates reuse and recycling.
Amidst these discussions, domestic challenges persist, such as a recent court ruling in Canada questioning the broad designation of plastics as “toxic,” affecting national policies on single-use plastics. This decision is under appeal, but it does not influence Canada’s stance in the ongoing treaty negotiations.
The Ottawa talks will run for seven days, with hopes to streamline the treaty’s draft text significantly, setting the stage for resolving tougher issues in subsequent meetings.