Carlos FresnedaCorresponsal París
Actualizado
The production of plastics has skyrocketed by 200 times since 1950, posing a serious risk to both health and the environment. The so-called “plastic crisis” is resulting in estimated damages of €1.3 trillion to the health of millions across diverse age groups, stemming from air and water pollution as well as exposure to harmful chemicals, according to a report recently published by The Lancet . An alarming 98% of plastics originate from fossil fuels in production processes that generate 2 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually—more than the total emissions of Russia.
Every year, more than 11 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans. Less than 10% is ever recycled, and the vast majority consists of single-use items, primarily bottles and food packaging . If current trends continue, production is forecasted to triple by 2060 , further exacerbating the prevalence of materials that can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.
Delegations from 170 countries are gathering in Geneva , under the auspices of the United Nations , aiming to finalize a global treaty addressing the plastic crisis . However, previous attempts—five in total—have ended in “black smoke,” largely due to disagreements over reducing production levels.
Similar to climate summits, fossil fuel-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia , Russia , and Iran continue to oppose any move to cap production and insist that focus should be placed on waste management and recycling. The presence of over 200 lobbyists from chemical and fossil fuel industries complicates the discussions, reminiscent of disputes that arose at last year’s summit in Busan, South Korea .
Adding to the objections posed by China regarding the establishment of a production cap , the Trump administration has also lowered expectations, advocating for a “lower ambition” deal that would avoid production cuts altogether. Traditional North-South tensions will undoubtedly increase the drama surrounding the Geneva conference .
A Binding Consensus Text
The negotiations are set to continue until August 14, when a binding text is expected to be agreed upon by consensus. Despite a political climate not particularly favorable to multilateralism, there remains the potential for the agreement to derail once again, leading to further delays.
Environmental organizations caution that a treaty failing to impose a production cap will be interpreted as a step backward . “Uncontrolled plastic production is a death sentence,” warns Graham Forbes , head of Greenpeace’s delegation. “The only way to tackle the problem is to stop producing so much plastic.”
Scientists are poised to raise their voices in Geneva as well, collaborating under the leadership of Richard Thompson , a biologist from the University of Plymouth, who is credited with the concept of microplastics and their impact on marine life and the food chain.
“It is evident that plastic pollution reaches from the poles to the equator,” Thompson stated to The Guardian . “We find microplastics in the deepest ocean areas and even the highest mountains.” Humans are exposed from the womb throughout their lives, reinforcing the dire need for decisive action with a treaty addressing plastic contamination to protect future generations.
Philip Landrigan , an epidemiologist and professor at Boston College , and co-author of the The Lancet study, notes, “We know enough about the severe health and environmental damage caused by plastics. The burdens disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially children. It’s time for action.”
The report by The Lancet underscores the presence of microplastics in fetuses, posing risks for birth defects, childhood cancers, and fertility issues in adulthood. These harmful particles enter the body through water, food, and air, and have been detected in blood, placentas, breast milk, semen, and even bone marrow.