Africa is drowning in plastics. A crisis intricately linked to the fossil fuel industry. Plastic pollution levels are critically high in some African countries. Though plastic pollution is a global environmental issue, Africa faces a particular challenge due to the high importation of plastic products, low re-use and the scramble to dump plastic waste into the continent by the Global North. The plastic pollution crisis is one of the most visible symptoms of a broken system failing humanity and the planet.
This week, world leaders are once more gathering in Busan, South Korea for the fifth and most critical round of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. This marks the final sprint towards developing a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, through a comprehensive approach across the full life cycle of plastics, as set out by the UNEA Resolution 5/14, two years ago. Amidst the ever-widening political divide, there is still a chance for world leaders to prove that they are on the side of the people and the planet.
Plastic production and consumption has tremendously increased globally over the past decade reaching unsustainable levels necessitating the urgency for significant and collective efforts towards addressing the key drivers of plastic pollution. This can only be achieved if we look at the entire life cycle of plastics from extraction to production, use and disposal.
Across Africa, communities bear a disproportionate burden of the plastics industry’s adverse health effects, stemming from petrochemical plants, waste incineration, landfills, contaminated water bodies and imported plastic waste. Plastic production has a particularly harsh impact on low-income and marginalised communities. Yet, major corporations are disregarding these consequences and evading their accountability.
With just over 7 days of scheduled negotiation time left, the world is watching closely as leaders at the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) race against time to deliver on the commitment to produce a legally binding global instrument to end plastic pollution – one that is ambitious, effective and just. This is a rare opportunity to establish global rules to safeguard our planet, our health and that of future generations. However, the pertinent question remains: Will our leaders rise to the occasion or dance to the tune of fossil fuel lobbyists as seen in previous INCs?
Plastics are a lifeline for the dying fossil fuel industry as the world transitions to renewable energy. Plastic production needs to be addressed now before production increases. From production to disposal, plastic pollution negatively impacts our human rights. It accelerates social injustice, environmental degradation and aggravates inequalities brought about by the climate crisis. Member states must not allow fossil fuel interests to drive the treaty negotiations and water down its ambition. Ending the corporate addiction to plastic is an important part of moving away from fossil fuels, combating climate change, pollution and protecting communities.
World governments must find a way to move the negotiations forward without low-ambition countries and oil and gas producers dictating the terms of these talks. Member states must seize this opportunity to prioritise the most important binding global rules, and firmly reject any detractors from slowing down progress.
World leaders must champion a treaty that will drastically cut plastic production and drive an equitable transition for workers and the health of the most affected communities across the plastic value chain. The treaty must be rooted in justice, human rights and fairness; one that provides alternative livelihoods for those dependent on the plastic industry. Anything short of that will be detrimental to humanity and the planet.
The plastic crisis faced by Africans cannot conceivably be solved by a waste management treaty. Globally binding production reduction targets are critical in achieving an ambitious treaty that will deal with runaway plastic pollution ultimately fulfilling the goal of the UNEA 5.2 resolution. Humanity can not afford to waste this once-in-a generation-opportunity!