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1292.3 Plastic never dies: finding a governance solution to the ubiquitous nature of microplastic pollution
Summary
This chapter reviews the history and current state of international governance efforts to address microplastic pollution, focusing on developments toward a Global Plastics Treaty and the challenges of regulating the full lifecycle of plastics. Microplastics are now found everywhere from deep ocean trenches to human bloodstreams, making enforceable international agreements essential for meaningful pollution reduction.
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental crisis, impacting human health, ecosystems, and economies globally. This chapter explores the pervasive nature of microplastics, their sources, and the extensive regulatory efforts to mitigate their impact. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the historical and current governance frameworks addressing plastic pollution, focusing on the developments leading up to the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in April 2024. The chapter highlights the evolution of international treaties and agreements, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly’s mandate and the Global Plastics Treaty (GPT), emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastics. By examining the regulatory landscape and the challenges of implementing effective measures, the authors underscore the importance of global cooperation and robust monitoring to reduce microplastic pollution significantly. The chapter concludes with reflections on the future role of the GPT within the broader context of the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution) and the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.