The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) is set to convene at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 5 to 14. This session is critical, as it aims to finalize an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The treaty will tackle a broad range of issues, including production, design, trade, waste management, and the need for a just transition. Additionally, it will address financial, technical, and capacity-building aspects, which are essential for effective implementation.
In the lead-up to this pivotal meeting, 31 First Nations and environmental groups have urged the Australian Government to continue advocating for a robust and ambitious treaty. Their call to action is backed by alarming data on plastic pollution along Australia’s coastline. Nationally, plastics account for 81% of all litter collected by Clean Up Australia volunteers. The situation is particularly dire in Northern Australia, where the prevalence of ghost fishing gear is increasing, posing a severe threat to marine life, including thousands of turtles.
The problem extends beyond the north. In New South Wales, AUSMAP measured over 12,000 microplastics per square meter in Sydney Harbour, while Adrift Lab researchers found seabird chicks on Lord Howe Island so filled with plastic that they crunched when handled. In Victoria, Beach Patrol collected 738 kg of rubbish from Discovery Bay in under 2.5 hours. Western Australia saw 7.3 tonnes of rubbish removed from beaches across the state, coordinated by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation. Queensland’s green sea turtles are heavily affected, with 80% having ingested plastic. South Australia has detected microplastics in seafood, and Tasmania’s waters off Bicheno show high levels of microplastics. Even the remote Torres Strait and Cocos (Keeling) Islands are buried under hundreds of tonnes of plastic pollution.
The consensus among these groups is clear: recycling alone will not end plastic pollution, and voluntary pledges have failed. They argue that the only viable path forward is a strong and robust Global Plastics Treaty with ambitious and enforceable rules.
Cip Hamilton, Plastics Campaign Manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “It’s shocking to see this horrific plastic pollution inundating remote Australian beaches. It’s yet another stark reminder that we are at a tipping point. Without global action, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060, which would send plastic pollution spiralling out of control. Our oceans are inundated with plastic fragments that are maiming turtles, strangling corals and starving seabirds. The world is watching. Nature is suffocating. The time for compromise is over. Plastic pollution is choking our oceans, killing marine life, and threatening ecosystems from coast to coast.”
Hamilton welcomed the Albanese Government’s renewed commitment to support a strong Global Plastics Treaty but stressed the need for immediate action. “Australia must use all diplomatic means to finalise a strong, legally binding plastics treaty at international negotiations next month.”
The call for a strong treaty is supported by a diverse coalition of organizations, including the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation, Boomerang Alliance, Sea Shepherd, and many others. This broad coalition underscores the widespread recognition of the need for a comprehensive and enforceable global agreement to combat plastic pollution.
The upcoming INC-5.2 session in Geneva represents a critical juncture in the fight against plastic pollution. The treaty being finalized has the potential to reshape global policies on plastic production, design, and waste management. If successful, it could set a precedent for international cooperation on environmental issues, demonstrating that collective action is possible and necessary.
However, the road to a strong and effective treaty is fraught with challenges. Diverse interests and priorities among nations will need to be balanced, and the treaty must be designed to be both ambitious and practical. The inclusion of financial, technical, and capacity-building aspects is crucial to ensure that all countries, particularly developing nations, can implement the treaty’s provisions effectively.
The treaty’s success will also depend on its enforceability. Without robust mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance, the treaty risks becoming another well-intentioned but ineffective document. The international community must ensure that the treaty includes clear and measurable targets, as well as consequences for non-compliance.
The treaty’s impact on the maritime industry will be significant. Shipping and fishing industries, in particular, will need to adapt to new regulations on plastic waste and pollution. The treaty could also drive innovation in sustainable materials and waste management practices, potentially opening new markets and opportunities for businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability.
In the long term, a strong Global Plastics Treaty could catalyze a shift towards a circular economy, where plastic waste is minimized,