Experts meet in Bangkok to address plastic pollution

Experts convened in Bangkok this week to discuss the first international treaty aimed at addressing the escalating issue of plastic pollution, with final negotiations scheduled for South Korea in November. However, many stakeholders, including environmentalists, tribal leaders, and residents from communities severely affected by plastic production, have been excluded from the discussions. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the negotiating committee, stated that she lacked the authority to allow additional participants, as countries had not reached a consensus on observer inclusion. The Bangkok meeting is characterized as less formal than treaty negotiations, with access limited to national delegation members and a select group of invited technical experts. These experts are focusing on the chemicals used in plastic products and potential financing for the treaty, with the aim of finalizing negotiations by the end of 2024. Previous treaty talks have seen thousands of stakeholders, including environmentalists and waste pickers, actively participating as observers across four continents. Concerns have been raised about the lack of diverse voices in the current discussions, particularly regarding the need for a robust treaty that not only addresses plastic waste but also limits production and eliminates toxic chemicals. Leaders from the International Pollutants Elimination Network warned that insufficient representation could lead to a weaker treaty outcome. Some environmentalists and tribal leaders have successfully joined national delegations, with countries like Uruguay and the Philippines bringing nonprofit representatives to the talks. The urgency of the situation is underscored by Texas's role as a major producer of petrochemicals used in plastics, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that incorporate Indigenous knowledge and stakeholder participation.