What's Happening?
The Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty is an international network of over 350 independent scientific and technical experts from more than 60 countries. Formed in 2022, the coalition aims to provide scientific input to the United Nations'
negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition operates without dedicated funding and is hosted by the International Knowledge Hub for Action on Plastic Pollution (IKHAPP.org). It has been actively contributing to the treaty process since the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in 2022. The coalition's efforts are focused on ensuring that the treaty is based on robust scientific evidence, free from conflicts of interest, and that it addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to waste management.
Why It's Important?
The coalition's work is crucial in shaping a comprehensive and effective global plastics treaty. By providing science-based responses to draft treaty texts, the coalition helps ensure that the treaty will effectively address the complex issue of plastic pollution. This is significant for global environmental policy, as plastic pollution is a major contributor to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The coalition's emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and conflict-of-interest policies aims to prevent misinformation and ensure that the treaty's measures are effective and sustainable. This could lead to significant reductions in plastic production and pollution, benefiting ecosystems and human health worldwide.
What's Next?
The coalition will continue to engage with the treaty negotiations, providing scientific expertise and guidance to negotiators. As the treaty process progresses, the coalition will likely focus on ensuring that the final agreement includes verifiable control measures and reduction targets for plastics and hazardous chemicals. The coalition's ongoing involvement will be critical in maintaining the scientific integrity of the treaty and ensuring that it effectively addresses the global plastic pollution crisis.
Beyond the Headlines
The coalition's work highlights the importance of the science-policy interface in addressing global environmental challenges. By fostering collaboration between scientists and policymakers, the coalition aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policy action. This approach not only strengthens the treaty process but also sets a precedent for future international environmental agreements. The coalition's emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion further enriches its work, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives and expertise are considered in the treaty negotiations.
