March 2, 2022, Nairobi, Kenya: The United Nations Environment Assembly announced today the outcome of the UNEA 5.2 meeting adopting a mandate to open negotiations for a legally binding global plastics treaty that addresses the whole life cycle of plastic pollution in the environment, with negotiations opening later this year.
In response to today’s announcement, Graham Forbes, Global Plastic Project Lead at Greenpeace USA, said:
“Today, global leaders sitting in Nairobi heard the millions of voices around the world who are demanding an end to the plastic pollution crisis. This is a clear acknowledgment that the entire lifecycle of plastic, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, creates pollution that is harmful to people and the planet. This is a big step that will keep the pressure on big oil and big brands to reduce their plastic footprint and switch their business models to refill and reuse. Until a strong global treaty is signed, sealed, and delivered, Greenpeace and its allies will keep pushing for a world free of plastic pollution, with clean air and a stable climate.”
“It’s with gratitude and optimism that we finally get to witness this day after decades of relentless effort to rid the environment of the plastic menace. Our decision makers have made us proud and our leaders are on the side of the people at last. The ball is now in the court of the International Negotiation Committee to see this through and deliver to the world a legally binding treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. We forge forward on our quest to close the plastic tap, it may not happen today but we keep the hope alive that in the near future our will and the will of the people will prevail to rid our environment of this plastic menace.”
Media contacts:
Hellen Dena,
Communications and Story Manager | Greenpeace Africa
Email: [email protected]
Discussion
Indeed, courageous and big steps to end plastic pollution
Absolutely, Each step counts.
First good news for a long time. Thank you for your work against plastic pollution.
Thank you for being so supportive.
Good morning Was South Africa one of the countries that signed this treaty?
Thank you for your question; South Africa will support the plastic treaty: https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/50465/reaction-to-south-african-governments-commitment-to-support-an-international-plastics-treaty/
This is awesome, kudos to Greenpeace Africa, Yes ooh let's keep hope alive, we must get there one day 👍👏👍
Thank you for being so supportive 💚 🙌.
I support this organization, go Greenpeace Africa 🌍 Plastics in Africa is alarming our game park 🏞, rivers are full of this plastics.
Thank you for your support and engagement.
The sooner the better. A perishable plastic is in the making in the U S. It seems people would never be able to get by without it - no matter the enourmous devastation.
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, that is another greenwashing scheme; even the perishable plastic takes months to years to decompose.