Plastics are a part of every aspect of our lives — from the products we use every day to single-use plastic items polluting our ecosystems.
But from the petrochemicals and chemicals that make up plastics to the micro- and nanoplastics that are in our waterways, food, and bodies, the trail of toxic pollution threatens human rights, the climate, ecosystems, and public health.
Global problems of this scale require global solutions. Following years of advocacy and action from CIEL alongside civil society and rightsholder organizations from around the world, UN Members have been negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution since 2022. Together, we have the knowledge and expertise to advance a treaty that tackles the root causes of plastic pollution.
With less than six months left to negotiate the treaty, the clock is ticking. From Uruguay to France, Kenya to Canada, CIEL has been at every negotiating session, ensuring that countries and decision-makers don’t bow to the fossil fuel industry’s corporate interests and don’t sacrifice an ambitious treaty for a quick political win. Between negotiations, we’ve published cutting-edge reports and analyses used by decision-makers and partners, educated stakeholders on the dangers of unchecked plastic pollution and production, and shaped discussions on treaty terms both inside and outside the negotiation rooms. And we’ve ensured that communities on the front-lines and at the fence lines of plastics plants are at these negotiations and speaking directly with decision-makers.
A meaningful treaty must start with ending plastic production at the source, not just managing plastic waste. Industries — including the fossil fuel and chemical lobby — have a vested interest in ensuring that the world keeps producing more plastics. At the fourth negotiating session, our breaking analysis, featured in outlets like Reuters, the Guardian, and the New York Times, exposed the disproportionate influence of chemical industry lobbyists inside the negotiating rooms, leading to widespread calls for conflict-of-interest policies that would “kick polluters out” of negotiation spaces.
From the beginning, civil society and rightsholders have faced numerous challenges, from the limited participation of civil society groups like CIEL to relentless delay tactics. But we’re not backing down. Our coalition of hundreds of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, children and youth, and women’s groups are united and exercising our voices however we can, including in the press, public demonstrations and marches, and in the halls of power.
We must end the age of plastic — the world can’t wait.