Currently, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic are flowing into the ocean each year. Plastic waste has been found in all areas of the globe, from the deepest seas to the most remote mountains. It causes harm to wildlife and ecosystems, but also disrupts the livelihood of millions of people, as well as posing major risk to human health and the world economy.
Despite the exponential growth in voluntary initiatives and national regulations to tackle plastic pollution, there is no sign that leakage rates are slowing. In order to effectively deal with the plastic crisis, the world needs common rules and standards that address plastic throughout its entire lifecycle.
A framework for global plastics treaty is being negotiated throughout a series of meetings across the globe, and is expected to be in place by the end of 2024.
WWF’s report "Towards a Treaty to End Plastic Pollution: Global rules to solve a global problem" outlines what the new plastics treaty must include to address the problem. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating the plastic pollution crisis.