What Is The Global Plastics Treaty?

The Global Plastics Treaty, still under negotiation as of December 2024, aims to become a legally binding agreement to tackle plastic pollution by addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, including production, use, and disposal. The treaty’s key commitments include phasing out harmful plastics, promoting recycling, and ensuring that producers are responsible for the environmental impact of their products through extended producer responsibility. Successful implementation will require coordinated global efforts, robust monitoring systems, and financial support for developing nations to transition to more sustainable plastic alternatives.

Small Island Developing States Win: GHGs Declared Ocean Pollutants

The legal frameworks for climate-related litigation are strengthened by the ITLOS advisory opinion, which classifies greenhouse gases as marine pollutants. This decision enables Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to advocate for more stringent climate action and to access climate financing. The ruling underscores the pressing necessity for global collaboration to mitigate the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, despite opposition from several State Parties.