Carmen Morales
Lecturer at the University of Cadiz, researcher at the Institute of Marine Research (INMAR) and Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
The paper focuses on ‘mismanaged’ waste, waste that is neither landfilled, incinerated nor recycled. In this context, the authors' predictions show that, if business as usual continues without further intervention, unmanaged plastic waste will double by 2050. The authors model different policy options focused on minimising mismanaged plastic waste, concluding that a combination of four measures can lead to significant reductions in plastic waste. These are: capping plastic production, imposing a packaging tax, increasing the recycling rate and investing in waste management.
The authors recognise that these solutions focus on one component of the problem, and that for there to be reductions in greenhouse gases, the measures must be preventive and be taken further upstream. It should be borne in mind that the impacts of plastic waste are generated not only at the end of a product's life, but throughout its life and that of its precursors. Therefore, if we are to achieve a truly effective Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution in the coming weeks, we need ambitious measures, not only in terms of waste generation and management, but also preventive measures to tackle the triple global crisis: climate crisis, pollution and biodiversity loss.
The time is now, from 25 November to 1 December in Busan, South Korea, at the fifth (and final) negotiating session to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Our responsibility is not to miss this opportunity to generate this key management tool for our well-being and that of our entire planet.