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We need a global agreement to safeguard human health from plastic pollution
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This commentary argues that unresolved disagreements among member states are hindering progress toward a UN global plastics treaty that could protect human and environmental health. The authors call for resolution of key disputes to advance international governance of plastic pollution across the full lifecycle.
Unresolved disagreements hinder progress towards the UN led treaty that could protect human and environmental health from the harms of plastic pollution, write Cressida Bowyer and Stephen Fletcher
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New scientific findings on nanoplastic pollution and hazardous chemical additives are intensifying calls for a strong United Nations global plastics treaty as international negotiations resume. Without an ambitious and binding agreement, the accelerating surge of plastic pollution will continue to outpace the world's ability to manage its environmental and health consequences.
The global plastics treaty can be saved — here’s how to break the deadlock
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Researchers and policy experts argue that the stalled global plastics treaty can still succeed if negotiators adopt a restructured approach to break the current deadlock among nations. A binding international agreement on plastic pollution is seen as essential for protecting both human health and ecosystems worldwide.
Why we need an international agreement on marine plastic pollution
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This commentary argues for the establishment of an international agreement to address marine plastic pollution, noting that plastic debris including microplastics is a pervasive global threat to marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, and potentially human health. The authors highlight that existing regulatory frameworks are insufficient to manage the transboundary nature of the problem. The study calls for measurable reduction targets and coordinated international action to curb the flow of plastic into the world's oceans.
Towards a global plastics treaty: Navigating policy preferences and economic interests
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Countries are negotiating a global treaty to fight plastic pollution, but this study finds a split: some nations want to limit plastic production itself, while others, often those with plastic manufacturing industries, prefer focusing only on waste cleanup. If cleanup-only approaches win out, plastic production keeps growing, meaning more plastic and microplastics entering our food, water, and bodies over time.
Navigating the plastic crisis
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Global talks meant to tackle plastic pollution have stalled, largely because countries are struggling to agree on shared goals amid political division. This matters for your health because plastic waste—including the microplastics turning up in our water, food, and even our bodies—will keep piling up until nations find common ground and commit to real action together.
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