Plastic pollution is one of the greatest anthropogenic threats our planet faces and protection of the marine environment is a common concern of humankind. Of approximately 275 million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually, up to 12 million tonnes leak into our oceans, wreaking havoc on livelihoods and ecosystems. Yet the impact of ever-increasing production, coupled with overwhelmed and insufficient waste management, is felt not just in the oceans but in every environment on Earth.
It is increasingly clear, however, that to prevent plastic pollution in the marine and other environments, the global community will need a dedicated instrument, a Convention on Plastic Pollution, that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics from production and design to waste prevention and management.
The convention should build upon and complement existing regional and global frameworks, allowing them to contribute within their core competencies, while otherwise filling the significant gaps that must be addressed in order to eliminate the long-term discharge of plastic pollution into our oceans and promote a safe circular economy for plastics which is just and safeguards the climate system.