Global Plastics Treaty Chair Releases ‘Zero Draft’ Ahead of Third Meeting
Global Plastics Treaty Chair Releases 'Zero Draft' Ahead of Third ... Center for Biological Diversity
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The Zero Draft of Global Plastics Treaty Released
Introduction
The chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution has released the “zero draft” of the global plastics treaty. This preliminary document serves as a starting point for negotiations. The third negotiating session, INC-3, will commence in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 13.
Key Provisions of the Zero Draft
The zero draft includes provisions that call for a reduction in plastic production and the elimination of particularly harmful types of plastic and chemicals. It also acknowledges the importance of transparency and a just transition. However, it lacks robust targets for reduction and contains text on recycling and waste management that may enable producers to avoid reduction, undermining the treaty’s goal.
Importance of Plastic Reduction
Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity, appreciates the language on cutting plastic production in the zero draft but believes there is room for improvement. Sakashita emphasizes the necessity of making less plastic to effectively combat the relentless flood of plastic pollution. She urges the United States to commit to robust mandatory plastic reduction targets during the negotiations in Nairobi.
Support for Mandatory Measures
During the second treaty negotiations in Paris, the Center for Biological Diversity and various country delegates and observer groups expressed support for including mandatory measures to reduce plastic production. They also called for the prohibition of false solutions proposed by industry representatives, such as misleadingly labeled “chemical” or “advanced” recycling methods.
US Position and Stakeholder Concerns
The US delegation played a crucial role in resolving initial procedural debates during the INC-2 negotiations in Paris. However, they focused primarily on voluntary measures and measures left to national definition, rather than supporting mandatory measures to directly reduce plastic production and consumption. The US delegation has not yet revealed its positions for INC-3. Stakeholder groups raised concerns about limited access to sessions and emphasized the need to provide Indigenous Peoples, frontline communities, and fenceline communities with a more significant and meaningful platform.
SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including plastic debris and nutrient pollution | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The issue of plastic pollution and the need for reduction in plastic production and consumption aligns with SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The issue of marine pollution caused by plastic debris connects to SDG 14, which aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, including plastic debris.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
The article highlights the need for reduction in plastic production and the elimination of harmful types of plastic. This aligns with the target of reducing waste generation through prevention and reduction.
Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including plastic debris and nutrient pollution
The article discusses the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans and the need to address it. This aligns with the target of preventing and reducing marine pollution, including plastic debris.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article focuses more on the need for reduction in plastic production and the elimination of harmful types of plastic, rather than providing specific indicators for measuring progress.
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Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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