SEO Riders:
– Inger Andersen Geneva plastics treaty call
– UNEP chief urges binding plastics agreement
– International cooperation on plastic pollution treaty
At the launch of INC‑5.2 in Geneva—from August 5 to 14, 2025—UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urged delegates to seize the moment and finalize a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution. She highlighted that plastic is already pervasive—found in nature, oceans, and even human bodies—and warned that leakage could rise by 50 percent by 2040 unless decisive action is taken. Andersen called on negotiators to work with solidarity and reach consensus on a treaty that starts strong and allows for future enhancements, emphasizing that “the world wants and needs to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.”
Against the backdrop of this high-stakes diplomatic effort, UNEP’s call for an effective treaty contrasts sharply with external pressures. The petrochemical industry and oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the U.S., are resisting proposals for mandatory caps on plastic production, favoring instead downstream solutions like recycling. Critics raise concerns about industry influence over UNEP and warn that without bold measures, the treaty risks being watered down.
Despite these challenges, Andersen affirmed her belief that, by negotiating together, member states can walk the narrow but crucial path toward a powerful, inclusive agreement—and UNEP stands ready to support them.
