Scientists Advocate for Global Plastic Reporting Requirements in UN Treaty
Scientists from UC Santa Barbara and Tsinghua University are urging the United Nations to incorporate mandatory global reporting requirements into the Global Plastics Treaty. This proposed treaty aims to end plastic pollution by addressing the entire plastics lifecycle. The scientists emphasize that standardized reporting on plastic production, chemical content, trade, waste, recycling, disposal, and environmental releases is crucial for effectively tracking plastic flows, evaluating interventions, and informing regulations. They argue that such a system, similar to those underpinning other international pollution agreements like the Montreal Protocol or the Paris Agreement, is essential for managing what cannot be measured. The call comes as negotiations for the treaty continue, with concerns that data and reporting have not received adequate attention. 
