Tag Archives: Treaty

Historic High Seas Treaty Now in Effect: First-Ever Protection for Ocean Waters

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A groundbreaking treaty aimed at protecting the high seas has officially entered into force, marking a significant moment in marine conservation.

The vast expanses of the high seas, beyond a country’s 370-kilometre exclusive economic zone, are often referred to as the “Wild West” of the oceans. This region is notorious for its minimal regulations on fishing, making it a vital area that remains largely unexplored. According to recent studies, this deep-sea environment is inhabited by diverse marine organisms, with up to 95% of the habitat being vital to marine life.

In September 2025, over 60 countries ratified the UN Convention on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in the open ocean, which encompasses half of our planet’s surface. This historic agreement has initiated a 120-day countdown to its official implementation.

“This is one of the most important environmental agreements ever,” states Matt Frost from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK. “There was no established mechanism for creating protected marine areas on the high seas prior to this treaty.”

World-renowned marine biologist Sylvia Earle calls this treaty a ‘turning point’ in safeguarding ‘Earth’s blue heart’, which plays a crucial role in regulating climate and sustaining life.

A year remains before nations can establish protected areas under the treaty, as regulations and monitoring systems need to be finalized at the inaugural meeting of the parties in late 2026.

“This moment demonstrates that global cooperation is feasible,” says Earle. “Now we must act decisively.”

In the Atlantic, conservationists aim to safeguard unique ecosystems such as the “lost cities” formed by the seaweed mats of the Sargasso Sea, a crucial breeding ground for American and European eels, alongside the remarkable hydrothermal vent communities. Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean conservation efforts target the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges, underwater mountains that serve as habitats for diverse marine species including whales, sharks, and turtles.

The treaty also envisions a shared repository for genetic resources discovered in the high seas, which could facilitate breakthroughs in medicinal research.

As maritime technology advances, fleets of factory ships are exploiting the high seas, leading to the overfishing of species and habitat destruction. This escalation threatens crucial biodiversity zones. Bottom trawling, in particular, causes severe damage to the ocean floor. Emerging techniques are being developed to fish in the “twilight zone” of mid-depth waters, between 200 and 1,000 meters, further complicating conservation efforts.

Local management organizations have noted that for two decades, there has been a call for a treaty to mitigate the overfishing of 56% of targeted fish stocks in international waters, as highlighted in recent studies.

Support for protective measures stems from the fact that 90% of marine protected areas in national waters are actively being preserved, positively influencing nearby fish populations by providing safe environments for spawning and growth.

Additionally, the 30 by 30 commitment aims to safeguard 30% of the Earth’s surface by 2030, making it essential to address the high seas for its successful realization.

Oceans currently absorb approximately 90% of the excess heat resulting from climate change. By shielding these critical areas from fishing and associated pollution, marine ecosystems can better adapt to rising temperatures.

“If you’re battling multiple afflictions, alleviating two can empower you to confront the remaining issues,” Frost asserts.

Moreover, marine ecosystems are responsible for absorbing a quarter of the CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change. Coastal environments like seagrass meadows and kelp forests are crucial carbon sinks, and activities such as the nocturnal feeding patterns of mesopelagic fish and plankton play a role in the carbon cycle.

“These species transport carbon from surface waters to deeper ocean layers, significantly influencing the carbon dynamics,” explains Callum Roberts from the Convex Seascape Survey, a global research initiative focusing on the ocean’s impact on climate change.

The treaty’s initial challenge involves identifying appropriate areas for protection, especially as species migrate in response to shifting ocean temperatures. Only 27% of the ocean floor has been thoroughly mapped.

Enforcement will also be a formidable challenge. Current marine protected areas in national waters include a significant number of “paper parks” that offer little actual protection for species.

Advancements in satellite imagery and AI technology have made it feasible to monitor vessels and detect unlawful activities. Nonetheless, enforcement will rely on member states to act against flagrant violations, including barring offending ships from their ports.

While 145 countries have signed the treaty, it is only enforceable for those that ratify it. Currently, 83 nations have adopted the treaty, with the UK, US, Canada, and Australia yet to follow suit.

“The more nations that ratify this treaty, the stronger it becomes,” says Sarah Bedorf from Oceana. “We all share the responsibility of protecting the high seas, which ultimately benefits everyone.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Lancet Highlights Plastic Crisis Ahead of Global Plastics Treaty

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A recent report from prominent medical journals highlights that the worldwide “plastic crisis” incurs a staggering cost of $1.5 trillion annually for governments and taxpayers.

By 2060, plastic production is projected to triple, with less than 10% being recycled. Currently, approximately 8,000 megatons of plastic are contaminating the planet. Recent research reviews published on Sunday by the Lancet.

This issue inflicts damage at every phase, from fossil fuel extraction and production to human consumption and eventual environmental disposal, according to the British publication.

“Plastics pose a significant, escalating, and often overlooked threat to both human and environmental health.” “They contribute to illness and mortality from infancy to old age, exacerbating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.”

He also noted that these adverse effects “disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable populations.”

In June, boaters collected recyclable plastic from the heavily polluted Sitaram River in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
Timur Matahari/AFP via Getty Images

This serves as the latest alarming message from experts regarding the widespread dangers posed by plastics, which the Journal deems “the material for our age.” After years of warnings about their presence in oceans and rivers, microplastics have now been discovered in humans, including in breast milk and brain tissue.

Sunday’s announcement initiated a new monitoring system called the “Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics.”

This was introduced alongside the concluding speeches in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from 175 countries are seeking to establish the first global treaty on plastics.

Activists are hopeful that the discussions taking place from Tuesday through August 14th will set key objectives for reducing plastic production. Some nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, have previously resisted these initiatives and advocated for increased plastic recycling.

According to the Lancet, major petrochemical companies are “key players” in the escalating production of plastics as they shift their focus towards plastics in light of dwindling fossil energy demand.

Various plastics, often derived from food and beverage containers and packaging, contain up to 16,000 different chemicals, which “enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption,” the study states.

Pregnant women, infants, and young children are “especially vulnerable,” facing risks such as miscarriage, physical deformities, cognitive impairment, and diabetes. In adults, the risks include cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.

“Given the substantial gaps in our understanding of plastic chemicals, it is likely that the health threats they pose are undervalued, and the disease burden resulting from them is currently underestimated,” he added.

The Lancet cited a study that estimated the global financial burden of these illnesses to be $1.5 trillion.

“It is now evident that the world cannot escape the plastic pollution crisis,” stated the Lancet. “Addressing this crisis requires continuous research, involving science-backed interventions: legislation, policy, monitoring, enforcement, incentives, and innovation.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Australia’s Tubal Climate Movement Treaty: A Step Back for Ocean Health

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A lifeline has been extended to the residents of Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific nation grappling with the impacts of rising sea levels. Each year, Australia permits 280 Tuvaluan individuals to reside there. This agreement anticipates a relocation of the entire population within the next few decades.

The Australian Tuvalu Farapili Union, regarded as the world’s first climate migration agreement, also allocates funds for adaptation to aid those who are lagging behind.

Could this serve as a prototype for managing climate migration gracefully before calamities ensue? However, the situation is far from ideal. In order to secure this deal, Tuvalu had to concede to Australia having a voice in future security and defense matters. Few nations may find such terms acceptable.

Moreover, Tuvalu’s population is minuscule. In a country like Australia, which has 28 million residents, accepting around 10,000 climate migrants is relatively insignificant. It’s estimated that between 25 million and 1 billion people could face forced displacement by 2050 due to climate change and other environmental pressures. Where will they go?

Environmental factors could force 1 billion people to move by 2050

Many assert that wealthy nations, historically the largest emitters of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, have a moral duty to assist those affected by climate change. However, discussions on these matters have yet to translate into the legal recognition or acceptance of forced climate migration. In fact, many high-income nations seem increasingly resistant to various forms of immigration.

There have been some progressions in creating funds for “loss and damage” to aid affected countries dealing with the aftermath of global warming. This could potentially curtail the necessity for future climate migration, yet the promised financial support to date is only a fraction of what is essential.

The foremost action that any nation should undertake is to limit future warming through emission reductions, but global emissions continue to rise. Regrettably, the Farapili Union symbolizes a decline into the ocean, not a turnaround.

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  • Climate change/
  • Global warming

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Columbia River Treaty: A Key Factor in Trump’s Dispute with Canada

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A little-known treaty that impacts millions of Americans and Canadians is currently entangled in the tariff dispute between the US and Canada.

This 60-year-old agreement regulates the waters flowing through the Columbia River, which extends from British Columbia to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and serves as the largest source of hydropower in the United States. However, parts of the treaty were set to expire during the presidential election in the US.

Negotiators were merely weeks away from finalizing the details of the treaty’s renewal when President Joseph R. Biden Jr. concluded his term. Subsequently, a decade’s worth of discussions faltered due to President Trump’s antagonism towards Canada, as he labeled Canada the “51st province,” imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, and referred to the water supply as a “major faucet.”

During a heated February call with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump brought the treaty into the conversation, suggesting Canada had exploited the United States. The implications were evident—it could become a leverage point in broader discussions aimed at redefining relations between the two nations.

Last week, at a White House meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump avoided confrontation. However, the Trump administration perceives negotiations as being precariously balanced, even over treaties that are mutually beneficial. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies has cast a shadow over the future of the Pacific Northwest, heightening concerns about issues ranging from electricity supply to flood management.

Fueled by the internet and AI, data centers are leveraging the Columbia River’s hydroelectric power. A local dam supports the Twilight Soccer Game at Riverfront Parks, while irrigation from the reservoir nurtures the sprawling acres of Pink Women and Gala Apple gardens. Coordinated dam operations are crucial in preventing flooding, particularly in areas like Portland, Oregon.

Trump’s comments have resonated negatively with Canadians, who have long feared that the US seeks to exploit its natural resources, especially water. “They want our land, resources, and water,” Carney repeatedly emphasized during his term.

“Canadians experience a sense of betrayal,” Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, remarked in an interview. The treaty interweaves a complex tapestry of cultural and economic interests. “Negotiating this is not straightforward,” Inslee added.

A spokesperson from British Columbia reported that there has been “no progress whatsoever” since the US State Department suspended negotiations in the broader context of reviewing international commitments. State Energy Minister Adrian Dix told nearly 600 attendees at a virtual town hall in March, “It sounds like a strange representation of the current situation.”

Dix noted that locals approached him in Save-on-Food markets, questioning whether Canada should exit the treaty altogether. “For residents in the Columbia Basin, this is intrinsic,” he stated. “It’s part of their lives, history, and identity.”

If the agreement collapses, the US anticipates it will be “more challenging to manage and predict” hydroelectric output to mitigate flooding in the Pacific Northwest, according to a nonpartisan Congressional report. It is projected that the region’s electricity demand may double within the next two decades, as anticipated by the Interstate Electricity Council.

The State Department has opted not to comment.

The origins of the treaty trace back to the events of 1948, following the Great Spring rains when the 15-foot wall of Vanport, Oregon—home to thousands of shipyard workers during World War II—collapsed. The calamity left 18,000 homeless and catalyzed negotiations with Canada to improve management of the Columbia River.

On one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration days, he ratified the Columbia River Treaty. This agreement exchanged commitments: Canada consented to construct multiple dams to manage flood control for the US, while the US agreed to provide Canada half of the extra electricity generated from the jointly managed river flows.

The original treaty came into effect in the autumn of 1964, with some provisions expiring 60 years later.

Discussions regarding the renewal of the treaty before it lapses in 2024 began during Trump’s first term. Biden temporarily halted them before resuming. In March 2023, the complete congressional delegation from the Pacific Northwest urged the President to expedite the negotiation process. Following a slow start, the US and Canada unveiled a preliminary outline of the agreement last summer.

The electricity generated under the initial treaty proved to be significantly more valuable than originally anticipated, bringing in around $300 million annually to Canada. This surplus prompted Canada to sell extensive amounts of power to the US, causing frustration among US utilities.

The updated agreement aims to reduce Canada’s share by about half over time, allowing the US to retain more electricity amid growing energy demands.

The Columbia River’s cheap and clean hydroelectric power has attracted high-tech companies intent on establishing data centers over the last two decades.

“The nation must recognize the significance of the Pacific Northwest in its burgeoning energy landscape,” stated David Kennedy, a scholar of local history at Stanford.

In the renewed treaty, Canada has decreased the obligation to maintain water storage for flood management, allowing for better prioritization of local communities and ecosystems around the reservoir. The original agreement led to drastic water level fluctuations that exposed extensive land when snowmelt resulted in lower levels.

“Each year, this exposed ground causes severe dust issues,” recounted a resident near Valemount, British Columbia, during the town hall.

The new plan aims to stabilize reservoir levels, enabling Canada to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance recreational opportunities.

Indigenous tribes were consulted during negotiations, but the initial treaty did not address the destruction of fishing grounds and towns due to dam constructions.

Jay Johnson, a negotiator for the Syilx Okanagan Nation, mentioned during the virtual town hall that tribes on both sides of the border have united to restore salmon migration. The updated framework includes provisions for excess water during dry periods, vital for salmon survival, especially considering climate change.

In the fall, when certain provisions of the original treaty lapse, the state established a three-year interim agreement, though additional parliamentary funding is still required. Both parties must provide ten years’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the treaty.

“This arrangement benefits individuals on both sides of the border; complications arise without a treaty,” noted Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The next steps remain uncertain. While some individuals involved in the negotiations remain in their positions, Trump has yet to appoint a deputy secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs. The situation is further complicated as Trump seeks to trim staff at key federal agencies involved in treaty discussions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Power Administration.

With negotiations in limbo, stakeholders involved in the discussions remain hopeful for a resolution on the renewed treaty.

Barbara Kossense, a law professor at the University of Idaho, emphasized that while the Trump administration may not prioritize salmon habitats or Indigenous involvement, Canada does. Water can flow downstream, but salmon swim upstream, and the US could benefit from adhering to environmental provisions, Kossense asserted.

Additionally, supporters highlight years of bipartisan backing from Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, a leading Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Jim Lisch of Idaho, Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“There will be unanimous agreement on this, irrespective of party lines,” declared Scott Sims, chief executive of the Public Power Council, which represents consumer-owned utilities in the region.

The stakes are tangible. In 1996, following heavy snowfall, a storm known as the Pineapple Express unleashed heavy rainfall in the Portland area, causing significant flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers worked diligently for several days, operating over 60 dams within the Columbia River System in conjunction with Canadian partners to mitigate flooding issues.

A smaller river in Columbia experienced flooding that resulted in eight casualties. Downtown Portland narrowly avoided disaster thanks to makeshift embankments created from plywood and sandbags.

Ivan Penn Contributed report from Houston Matina Stevis-Gridneff From Toronto.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Failure of a Global Treaty to Reduce Plastic Pollution: Expert Marce Gutiérrez-Glaudis Discusses Next Steps.

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Marce Gutierrez-Glaudis was thrilled to participate in a historic event last month when over 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, to negotiate a binding global agreement to reduce plastic pollution.

“We were hopeful that this would mark the end of our meetings,” shared a marine conservation expert from California who was part of the U.S. delegation, speaking to NBC News.

However, a global agreement did not materialize as countries failed to reach a consensus during the fifth and final round of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Commission.

“I am planning to engage in at least one more round in late spring or summer,” Gutierrez-Growdish mentioned. Instead of delaying potentially problematic treaties for years, he emphasized the importance of investing more time in exploring methods to oversee funding, transparency, and national accountability.

Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiche founded Azul, a nonprofit organization that protects marine resources, after witnessing the decline of fish in her work in commercial fishing and aquaculture.Provided by: Azure

Wrapping up the year, a Mexican-American environmental leader shared insights. As the Founder of Azure, they are committed to safeguarding marine resources through positive and forward-thinking actions.

Researchers project that without effective measures, plastic pollution could double by 2050, while a global treaty could potentially reduce it by 91%.

Despite challenges like the recent deadlock and the uncertain future in South Korea, concerns linger about the next Trump administration potentially causing a breakdown. Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized the need to focus on collaboration rather than political affiliations when it comes to international agreements and environmental protection, stating, “We must set aside our political or federal preferences.”

Experts in marine conservation stressed the bipartisan nature of environmental issues, finding resonance among the Latin American community. “People are becoming more aware that things are changing and crises are on the rise.”

For instance, in California, residents are witnessing escalating temperatures, water scarcities, and increased wildfires, while across the nation, devastating impacts from recent severe hurricanes are evident.

Mr. Gutierrez-Groudis mentioned: Her organization conducted a poll among 2,500 Latino registered voters earlier this year, revealing widespread support for increased government investment in ocean protection, even if it entails higher costs for individuals.

Regarding plastic use, Over 70% of Latino voters backed bans on single-use plastics, while 75% supported regulations on plastic manufacturing chemicals. The majority favored an international treaty to eliminate plastic pollution, even if it meant adhering to challenging and costly regulations in the U.S.

While recent headlines have focused on microplastics’ presence in humans, Gutierrez-Groudish advocates for a comprehensive approach targeting plastic production’s root causes and impacts.

Highlighting the need to address the entire plastic production lifecycle and its repercussions, she and her team are formulating a comprehensive plan for forthcoming international conferences.

Witnessing the Impact Directly

Before establishing Azul in 2011, Gutierrez-Graudish began her career in commercial fishing and aquaculture, overseeing logistics and operations—experience that sensitized her to environmental degradation due to dwindling fish supplies and rising fuel costs. “I observed it firsthand,” she shared. “It was a profound moment that steered me towards conservation.”

As she gears up for global negotiations, her nonprofit Azul is actively spearheading three campaigns in her state. The Deja el Plastico (No Plastic) initiative endeavors to mitigate plastic pollution in California, leading to a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2016.

Gutierrez-Glaudis noted that Latina grandmothers can offer practical examples of reducing plastic consumption, alluding to the “Abuela Bag.” “My grandma had reusable bags, not the trendy eco-friendly ones you find at stores, but the concept remained the same,” she reminisced.

Azul’s Vamos a La Playa (Let’s Go to the Beach) campaign centers on coastal accessibility, seeking to ensure Californians can enjoy shoreline access granted under the more than 40-year-old California Coastal Act. She accentuated the importance of clear communication at local levels to inform communities of their rights.

“Many people don’t realize that the coast is for everyone, and we need to rectify any sense of exclusion,” Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized. “I’ve witnessed this firsthand.”

Having also launched the Latino Marinos (Latino Mariners) Campaign, an advocacy branch inspired by her experiences, Gutierrez-Graudis aims to foster inclusivity and provide resources for underrepresented groups in maritime conservation.

Marce Gutierrez-Glaudis will speak to students at the GenSea Binational Academy in November.Provided by: Azure

“We are creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities and tools,” Gutierrez-Groudish shared. “Our mission is to translate potential, not just language but transformative opportunities.”

A couple of years ago, Azul unveiled the Rising Leaders Initiative, offering a chance to visit Washington, D.C. for Ocean Week and interact with elected officials.

Excited about the increasing diversity within conservation fields, Gutierrez-Groudish praised social media for making conservation more accessible. She encouraged enthusiasts to connect virtually and engage with organizations like hers to enter the conservation arena.

For individuals wondering about their environmental impact, Gutierrez-Groudish reassured them by stating that every effort counts, even simple actions like using reusable items and reaching out to elected representatives can make a significant difference.

She advocated that caring for the environment is not limited to specific actions, but rather stems from mindful decisions and actions.“People used to say to me, ‘I don’t drive a Prius.’ If they’re making mindful choices and valuing environmental issues, they too are environmentalists,” she concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

UK ratifies first international treaty on AI regulatory measures

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The UK government has joined the first international treaty on artificial intelligence in a bid to prevent its misuse, such as the dissemination of misinformation or the use of biased data for decision-making.

The agreement, known as the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, requires countries to implement protections against any threats AI may pose to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Drafted by the Council of Europe, the treaty was signed by the EU, UK, US, and Israel on Thursday.

According to Attorney General Shabana Mahmood, AI has the potential to enhance public services and drive economic growth, but its implementation should not compromise fundamental human rights.

Mahmood stated, “This treaty is a significant step in ensuring that these new technologies can be utilized without undermining our core values, such as human rights and the rule of law.”

Here we present an overview of the treaty and its implications for the use of AI.

What is the objective of this convention?

The Council of Europe aims to address any legal gaps that may arise due to rapid technological advancements. Recent advancements in AI have prompted a global effort to regulate the technology and mitigate potential risks.

The treaty requires AI systems to adhere to principles such as protecting personal data, non-discrimination, safe development, and respect for human dignity. Governments must implement safeguards to prevent AI-generated misinformation and biased data training that could lead to erroneous decisions.

Who is included in the treaty?

The treaty applies to the use of AI by both public authorities and the private sector. Companies and organizations using relevant AI systems must assess their impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law and make this information publicly available. Individuals should have the right to challenge AI decisions and file complaints with authorities.

How will this be enforced in the UK?

The UK will need to ensure that existing laws, such as the European Court of Human Rights and other human rights legislation, cover the treaty’s provisions. The government is planning to introduce a new AI Bill for consultation.

Once the treaty is ratified and enforced in the UK, it will enhance existing laws and measures, according to the government.

In terms of enforcement, authorities may prohibit certain uses of AI. For example, EU AI law prohibits systems using facial recognition databases obtained from CCTV or the internet, as well as systems that classify individuals based on their social behavior.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Efforts to Reduce Emissions are Crucial for Success of Plastic Pollution Treaty

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People rally in Ottawa to support ending plastic pollution

The Canadian Press/Shutterstock

Representatives from nearly every country will gather in Canada to hammer out the details of a global treaty to tackle rising plastic pollution. One source of disagreement at the summit, which concluded on April 29, was how to address greenhouse gas emissions produced by the production and use of plastics, which are increasingly not recognized as a cause of climate change. was.

“When people think of plastic, they think of something visually visible,” he says. Vermilion Alice At the University of Toronto, Canada. However, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, as does the generation of the energy needed to make plastic products. Plastics currently account for about 10% of total oil and natural gas demand. Coal is also increasing Used to power plastic production.

Incineration of plastic waste is also a source of greenhouse gas emissions. As plastics in the environment degrade, they can emit carbon dioxide and methane. Plastics may even reduce the amount of carbon that ecosystems can store, although the effects have not been well quantified, Zhu said.

The emissions numbers associated with plastic production are more clear-cut.in study Published this month, Nihang Kalari Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California estimated that plastic production produced 2.24 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is roughly four times the emissions produced by aviation that year.

They found that as plastic production increases, these emissions could triple by 2050, assuming no changes in the way plastics are made. Most of the emissions are related to the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics, so decarbonizing the electricity grid will have a small impact on projected emissions. It also became clear that

The global plastics deal currently under discussion could offer a “historic” chance to limit these emissions, the researchers write. In 2022, more than 175 countries have agreed to join a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution throughout the lifecycle of materials, with final details expected to be agreed by the end of this year.

But a group of oil-producing countries, including China and Russia, said during negotiations that the treaty should only address plastic waste through cleaning and recycling, and that production, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from oil, would They argued that it should not be restricted or changed. plastic.country group Including UK and EU argued that the treaty should include provisions to reduce production to keep emissions in line with global climate goals.

“There's a lot on the agenda, but climate certainly isn't talked about much,” he says. neil nathan Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, attended the conference to advocate for an ambitious treaty.

according to modeling We've heard from Nathan and others that a strong treaty that takes measures such as limiting production and requiring plastic products to contain a high proportion of recycled content could keep emissions at current levels. Probably. He said the Plastics Treaty would be a “failure” if it did not address production.

Sarah-Jeanne Royer Researchers at the University of California, San Diego suggest that even if the treaty did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there would be more sustainable options for making plastics, such as recycled or captured CO2, such as bioplastics or captured CO2. It said the switch would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of new plastics. Expressly.

but, paul stegman Dutch research institute TNO has warned that plastic alternatives such as steel can generate more emissions, depending on how they are reused and recycled. “Ultimately, we need policies that reduce the impact on society as a whole, not just move the problem elsewhere,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com