The negotiations for a global treaty to address plastic pollution have been heavily influenced by industry lobbyists, particularly from the fossil fuel and petrochemical sectors.
The potential health risks associated with plastic production are significant, as research shows that microplastics are contaminating food chains, water sources, and even human bodies. Plastic particles have been found in human blood, lungs, and breast milk, with individuals unknowingly consuming around five grams of microplastics each week.
The financial toll of plastic-related health issues is also substantial, with estimates suggesting that just four families of plastic chemicals contribute to over $400 billion in annual health costs in the United States. On a global scale, failure to address chemical and plastic pollution could result in economic losses of up to 10% of global GDP.
The negotiations saw a large turnout from the plastics industry, with 220 lobbyists forming the largest single delegation. Over 93% of statements opposing a robust treaty came from the chemical and petrochemical sectors, with major companies like ExxonMobil and Dow Inc. leading efforts to weaken the agreement.
Despite the risks, oil-producing nations argue that the treaty should focus on waste management rather than production limits. They view plastics as a refuge from declining fossil fuel demand and emphasize the need for improved recycling and waste collection systems. However, evidence suggests that these approaches have not been effective, with a significant portion of plastic production ending up in landfills or the environment.
The resistance to production limits reflects a strategic shift by oil-producing nations towards plastics as traditional markets decline. Petrochemicals and plastics are projected to become the primary drivers of oil consumption, accounting for half of the demand by 2050. This shift raises questions about the future of global plastic production and the effectiveness of international efforts to regulate it.