The Plastics Treaty: A Turning Point for the World, a Catalyst for Africa

The Plastics Treaty: A Turning Point for the World, a Catalyst for Africa

The bustling city of Paris is currently hosting a significant event - the plastic negotiations. Diplomats and experts from all corners of the world have congregated here to deliberate over a significant and growing concern - plastic pollution. The focus is the development of an internationally binding instrument on plastic pollution, a treaty that could change the face of global plastic usage and management forever.

The Weight of the Issue

Plastic pollution is an urgent crisis we can no longer afford to ignore. Our environment is succumbing to the excessive burden of plastics - impacting human health, the economy, and ecosystems alike. The chemical composition of plastics has been linked to serious health conditions, including hormone-related cancers, infertility, and neurodevelopment disorders.

From a climatic perspective, the production and incineration of plastics contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions - equivalent to an astonishing 615 coal plants by 2050. Moreover, plastic pollution harms our oceans and wildlife, with an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flowing into oceans annually, damaging livelihoods and industries such as fishing and tourism.

A particularly concerning statistic is that the global plastic market, valued at $579.7 billion in 2020, is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.4% up to 2028. As this market expands, so does the urgency for more sustainable management practices. The solution lies in a circular economy, where we keep plastics in the production cycle, reducing their release into the environment.

The Game-Changer: An International Plastics Treaty

The resolution on an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution proposes a framework to tackle plastic pollution at its roots. This treaty mandates an intergovernmental negotiating committee to negotiate a global agreement to address plastic pollution, advocating a circular economy approach to plastics management. The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) to develop an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, convened in Paris, France, since Monday, 29 May 2023 and is negotiating this legally binding instrument.

This treaty is not merely an environmental mandate; it signifies a massive shift in the plastics industry's approach. The spotlight is now on recycling, reuse, and circular economy models that not only minimize environmental harm but also unleash a plethora of economic opportunities. Recycling alone portends up to $120 billion in enterprise opportunities globally, alongside substantial energy savings and potential reductions in carbon tax liabilities.

The Potential for Change: African Innovations

African countries hold a significant stake in the success of this treaty. The continent generates just over 6% of plastic waste globally, yet it suffers disproportionately from the effects of plastic pollution. With a recycling rate of only 4%, there's vast room for improvement.

A circular economy approach could create jobs, boost economies, and generate innovative solutions. For example, a Kenyan entrepreneur developed a process to transform plastic waste into paving tiles - a cheaper and stronger alternative to conventional concrete blocks. Similarly, water hyacinths from Lake Victoria, an environmental nuisance, are being turned into reusable bags, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic bags.

The Road Ahead: Towards a Sustainable Future

The passage of this treaty will set the stage for local legislation and policies that bring its principles to life at the national level. Countries, especially in Africa, should consider incentives such as tax breaks and funding for enterprises engaged in recycling and other circular practices.

To conclude, the importance of this treaty cannot be overstated. It is a monumental step towards addressing the global plastic crisis, empowering countries to protect their environments and economies from the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution. The negotiations happening today in Paris are more than a diplomatic event - they're a turning point for the world, and a catalyst for African nations to redefine their relationship with plastic.