Survey: Policymakers Eye Plastics Cuts Over Health Risks
Of the many risks related to plastic pollution, policymakers involved in negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty express most concern about the human health risks associated with plastics and call for measures to reduce production, according to a new survey of government delegates.[1]
The survey, led by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, found that among 27 United Nations government representatives engaged in developing the Global Plastics Treaty, human health was on average the highest ranking concern related to plastics pollution, surpassing environmental and economic issues.
The findings come as negotiators prepare for the next round of treaty discussions, where countries will decide whether to include provisions to reduce plastic production, a proposal supported by more than 100 countries but opposed by a handful of petrochemical-producing nations and industry groups.
In response to the report, Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, said:
“An effective Global Plastic Treaty must cut plastic production to protect public health. Plastic is harming the health of our families and communities, and has been found in our organs and our blood. Allowing plastic production to grow means increasing the harm that plastic creates for our health, our climate and our planet.”
According to the survey, the delegates prioritised reducing plastics production and eliminating hazardous chemicals in plastics as key strategies for protecting human health. These measures were ranked significantly higher than improving existing waste management and chemical and mechanical recycling.
All respondents were concerned about plastics chemicals and most were very convinced by evidence for health risks from macroplastic pollution, microplastics and emissions across the entire plastics life cycle, including greenhouse gases, air pollution and chemical toxicity.
Other key findings include:
Megan Deeney, Research Fellow from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the lead author of the report, said:
“The science-policy interface is critical for informing evidence-based actions that address global human health and planetary challenges. The engagement with science shown by delegates responding to our survey is hopeful as we move into the final stages of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. Strengthening these partnerships with responsive science and global cooperation is essential for the treaty and the road beyond to end plastics pollution and its harms.”
The Global Plastics Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to solve the plastics crisis. However, negotiations have been stalled by a few countries who block ambition, particularly whether countries should be required to reduce plastics production or focus instead on waste management and recycling efforts.
During the fifth round of negotiations (INC5) in Busan, South Korea, fossil fuel and petrochemical industry representatives outnumbered delegates from some of the smallest government delegations, raising concerns about industry influence in the treaty process.
The extended negotiation (INC5.2) is set to take place on August 5 to 15, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, where delegates will continue to debate key provisions, including restrictions on plastics production and chemical regulations.
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/73664/survey-policymakers-concerned-over-health-risks-of-plastics-see-production-cuts-as-solution/