Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental issues today. Plastic is widely used, providing us with convenience, yet we have become so accustomed to it that we are now addicted to disposable plastic products. Globally, approximately one million plastic bottles are sold per minute, and up to 5 trillion plastic bags are used annually. Over 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with about 50% being single-use plastic, discarded after just one use.[1]
The Urgency of Plastic Pollution
One of the most severely affected areas by plastic pollution is the marine ecosystem. Annually, around 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean—equivalent to one truckload every minute. Approximately 80% of all marine waste is plastic.[2] This has led to a sharp increase in cases where marine animals mistake plastic for food or become entangled and die. Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm, enter the bodies of marine animals and make their way up the food chain, eventually reaching humans. Research has found microplastics in human organs and even in the placentas of newborns. These particles release harmful chemicals in the body, potentially impacting brain development, respiratory health, and genetic mutations.
Plastic pollution leads to severe environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity. Large plastics break down into microplastics, which are ingested by various organisms like birds, fish, and whales, disrupting the food chain and causing population declines. Additionally, plastic waste contributes to the destruction of habitats in ecosystems vulnerable to pollutants, such as coral reefs and mangroves.
The UN Environment Assembly of the UN Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1973 followed by the decision of the UN Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972.[3] Since then, it has become a leading international organization addressing global environmental issues. UNEP, in collaboration with national governments, scientists, and civil society, aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, playing a pivotal role in resolving international environmental challenges. With the participation of 193 member states, UNEP addresses various global issues, including climate change response, biodiversity conservation, and pollution prevention, while supporting the development and implementation of worldwide policies.[4]
UNEP’s primary goals focus on promoting environmental protection and sustainable development.[5] It supports the development and implementation of environmental policies to address global environmental issues. Additionally, UNEP advances various international agreements to achieve sustainable development goals for environmental and economic development.
To realize these objectives, UNEP organizes the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which is the highest-level environmental decision-making body where the international community gathers to discuss global environmental issues and establish policies. UNEA serves as an essential platform where stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, enterprises, and civil society come together to adopt resolutions and explore strategies for environmental protection.[6]
UNEA has strengthened international cooperation through various resolutions aimed at addressing plastic pollution. Notably, a groundbreaking resolution to combat plastic pollution was adopted at the 5th Session of the UNEA (UNEA-5), which resumed in 2022. This resolution promotes policies focused on sustainable plastic production, innovation in recycling technologies, and the enhancement of waste management systems, emphasizing international collaboration to enable countries to effectively tackle plastic pollution.[7]
Additionally, UNEP is carrying out various activities to reduce marine plastic waste through the Clean Seas Campaign which aims to help the global community address the plastic waste issues. This campaign plays a significant role in raising awareness on the severity of plastic pollution and promoting the transition to sustainable consumption and production patterns.[8]
UNEA will continue to reduce plastic pollution and environmental degradation while accelerating the transition to a sustainable society in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. UNEP aims to strengthen solutions to environmental problems, particularly through “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS), striving for sustainable development that harmonizes environmental protection and economic growth.[9]
UN Plastic Treaty at INC-4
In March 2022, during the 5th Session of the UNEA, a historic resolution (UNEA 5/14) was adopted, recognizing that the rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a serious global environmental issue and have negative impacts on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. This resolution aimed to develop an international legally binding instrument regarding plastic pollution, including its effects on the marine environment.
This resolution called on the Executive Director of the UNEP to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics, including production, design, and disposal.
INC has initiated the process toward a global plastics treaty, aiming to complete negotiations by the end of 2024. Four negotiation sessions have taken place since the second half of 2022, with the Fourth Session (INC-4) scheduled to be held in Ottawa, Canada, from April 23 to April 29, 2024.[10]
More than 2,500 participants representing 170 member states and over 480 organizations (including NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and UN agencies) took part in INC-4. This Session was the largest and most comprehensive meeting of the committee to date, with nearly a 50% increase in participation. During INC-4, representatives negotiated a revised draft text for an internationally legally binding treaty, discussing various topics such as emissions and releases, production, product design, waste management, problematic and avoidable plastics, financing, and just transition.
However, despite extending negotiations well beyond the scheduled time during INC-4, there were significant limitations as concrete agreements on many issues were not reached. Many experts pointed this out, emphasizing that substantial adjustments must be made to achieve consensus before the start of INC-5.
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, commented on INC-4: “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.”[11]
INC-5
The 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) is scheduled to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. As aimed at achieving final agreement on an international legal treaty concerning plastic pollution, INC-5 is considered highly significant.
Addressing plastic pollution is closely related to the SDGs. A consensus reached at INC-5 will contribute to promoting sustainable resource management and environmental protection worldwide. The plastic pollution crisis is an urgent issue that must be addressed, and INC-5 will serve as a crucial opportunity for member states to advocate for immediate action. As the deadline approaches, greater cooperation and flexibility are required.
INC-5 has the potential to become a historic milestone in addressing the plastic pollution crisis and is expected to have a significant impact on future international environmental policy.
ASEZ’s Activities to End Plastic Pollution
ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God, is actively engaged in global environmental cleanups for achieving carbon neutrality through initiatives like the “ABC (ASEZ Blue Carbon) Movement” and the “AGC (ASEZ Green Carbon) Movement.” ASEZ encourages waste reduction and raises awareness of the need for ecosystem preservation for carbon neutrality through various activities, including environmental campaigns, seminars, waste collection, and tree planting.
Plastic not only disrupts ecosystems but also significantly contributes to carbon emissions as a byproduct of the petrochemical industry. To achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable development, ending plastic pollution is both essential and urgent. ASEZ aims to lead in restoring the environment as environmental advocate, raising awareness of environmental pollution and actively engaging in restoration efforts, in line with the international community’s commitment to combating pollution.
