We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Prospects of an International Treaty on Plastic Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This analysis examines the proposed elements of a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, reviewing negotiations launched by the UN Environment Assembly in March 2022 and outlining the key legal and governance challenges in developing a comprehensive global plastics agreement.
Abstract On 2 March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly to the United Nations Environment Program ( UNEP ) requested the Executive Director of UNEP to convene an international negotiating committee towards the negotiation of an international legally binding instrument on plastics by 2024. This article examines some of the proposed elements of such an instrument and outlines the next steps that can be expected in the negotiations. It also reflects on the results of the ad hoc open-ended working group to prepare for the work of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which was convened in Dakar, Senegal, from 30 May to 1 June 2022. Ensuring legal certainty of key features of the new agreement, such as the circular economy and support for developing countries and countries with economies in transition, will be subject to particular scrutiny.
More Papers Like This
Global Plastic Pollution and International Legal and Policy Responses
AI summary Read the abstract
This Japanese legal review examines international efforts to create a binding treaty to end plastic pollution, analyzing what elements are needed based on experience with prior environmental agreements. The paper is particularly relevant given the ongoing United Nations negotiations toward a global plastics treaty.
Crafting a global plastics treaty
AI summary Read the abstract
This book chapter critically analyzes international negotiations toward a global plastics treaty, noting that the UN Environmental Assembly has been working toward a legally binding instrument since 2014. A strong global plastics treaty is considered essential for halting the growing accumulation of microplastics throughout the environment.
Desafios e perspectivas no enfrentamento da poluição marinha por plástico sob a ótica das negociações do acordo global juridicamente vinculante
AI summary Read the abstract
This research examined the prospects for tackling marine plastic pollution through negotiations on a globally legally binding plastic agreement under UNEP auspices. The study concluded that while the treaty represents a significant advance over existing fragmented frameworks, significant challenges remain due to contradictory options in the draft text and difficulties reaching global consensus on binding provisions.
Advancing the international regulation of plastic pollution beyond the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution on marine litter and microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This legal paper reviews international frameworks relevant to plastic pollution and argues for a binding global agreement specifically targeting plastic pollution, beyond existing resolutions. A comprehensive international treaty is increasingly seen as necessary to meaningfully reduce plastic pollution, including microplastics.
An International Legal Framework for Marine Plastics Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This legal analysis reviews the current international framework for regulating marine plastics and identifies significant gaps and inconsistencies across treaties and agreements. The chapter argues that stronger, more unified global legal instruments are needed to effectively reduce plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.