Addressing plastic pollution at a global level – COP16 and COP29 on the road to Busan

Plastic pollution and biodiversity loss 

Today (28 October) 21 Global CEOs from the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty called on governments to unite and deliver an ambitious and actionable treaty to end plastic pollution. 

At the same time, over 190 countries and 23,000 attendees are gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the 16th meeting of the parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) for the second week of talks seeking to take decisive measures for the protection of biodiversity. 

Pollution disrupts natural ecosystems and is one of the main direct drivers of biodiversity loss. It takes various forms, however, globally, pollution from nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals and plastics has been found to have particularly harmful impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.     

Plastic is a versatile synthetic, or semi-synthetic material, and is incredibly useful in a variety of contexts, from packaging to personal protective equipment. However, the single-use nature of plastic has resulted in a crisis, with the material accumulating across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, with over 460mn tonnes of plastic produced annually, of which less than 10% is successfully recycled. It is increasingly regarded as an important type of pollution with significant impacts on biodiversity. In particular, marine plastic pollution has increased tenfold since 1980, affecting at least 267 animal species, including 86% of marine turtles, 44% of seabirds and 43% of marine mammals. 

Further, microplastics, tiny plastic particles up to five millimeters in diameter, are a growing threat to planetary health. Marine plastic litter breaking down, run-off from plumbing, leakage from production facilities and other sources, can lead to microplastics entering the ocean and atmosphere. Removing these plastics is difficult and costly, and almost impossible with regards to microplastics in the deep ocean. The OECDs Global Plastics Outlook projects leakage of microplastics to continue to increase to 2060 in a scenario where no new policy measures are taken.  

The international discussion on plastic pollution  

In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.   

The resolution requested the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop "the instrument," which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.   

On 29 April 2024, the fourth session of the INC (INC-4) concluded in Ottawa with an advanced draft text for a Global Plastics Treaty.  

More than 2,500 delegates participated in the session (INC-4), representing 170 Members and over 480 Observer organisations including: non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and UN entities. The fifth session (INC-5) is scheduled for 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea.    

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said “We came to Ottawa to advance the text and with the hope that Members would agree on the intersessional work required to make even greater progress ahead of INC-5. We leave Ottawa having achieved both goals and a clear path to landing an ambitious deal in Busan ahead of us. The work, however, is far from over. The plastic pollution crisis continues to engulf the world and we have just a few months left before the end of year deadline agreed upon in 2022. I urge members to show continued commitment and flexibility to achieve maximum ambition.”  

On 19 December 2022, Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity officially adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP15. The GBF has 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030. One of which, Target 7, is to reduce pollution to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity. A specific component of the target is preventing, reducing, and working towards eliminating plastic pollution, and is therefore interlinked with ongoing discussions under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution.   

The implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be a key topic at the High-Level Segment of COP16, taking place this week from the 29 and 30 October 2024, including a Ministerial Breakfast on the INC on Plastic Pollution. With a focus on shifting from agreement to action amongst the international community, these discussions will be an important opportunity to demonstrate progress in alignment and rapid implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework pertaining to the reduction of plastic pollution.  

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP29) will close just three days before INC-5. Bringing together governments, businesses and researchers, COP29 can play a key role in catalysing global cooperation for reducing plastic pollution and bolstering innovation in sustainable materials.  

The Climate Action Innovation Zone at COP29 

Innovative solutions and urgent action from business and industry has great potential to have significant impact in tackling plastic pollution, for example by utilising renewable resources for sustainable bioplastics and shifting to a circular economy to reduce waste.  

During COP29, the Climate Action Innovation Zone’s Sustainable Innovation Forum will look at some of the leading technological and business-model innovations that are cleaning up supply chains to reduce plastic use and pollution. Beverley Cornaby, Director of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) will moderate the panel Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain: Mastering circularity and policy shifts for market success. Panelists Anthony Watanabe, Lewis Perkins, and Sudip Ranjan Basu will explore how businesses can future-proof operations and grow market share in the evolving economy.  

To attend this panel and the Climate Action Innovation Zone, visit: https://events.climateaction.org/innovation-zone/