Environment, Global affairs 2 December 2024

Failure to agree on landmark treaty

The world desperately needs policies to end plastic pollution, but unfortunately, we have seen an historic opportunity to address this critical problem completely wasted.

Following a week of intense negotiations, involving nearly 200 countries, no agreement was reached in Busan, Korea, to deliver a landmark international treaty. High hopes gave way to disappointment at the ‘INC5’ talks which failed to resolve some deep divisions at a time when international policies and the commitment of countries to address this urgent problem are crucial.

With this significant setback, plastic leakage into the ocean will not stop and pollution of the natural environment will continue, heavily impacting food systems, health and economy as well as severely disrupting lives and livelihoods.

Monty Simus, our Global Director of Public Affairs, Policy, and Blue Finance, speaking at INC5 in Busan Credits: UN Environment Programme

WE NEED A LONG-TERM STRATEGY
Our ocean cleanup systems have already proven successful, tackling the Great Pacific Garbage Patch at an impressive rate, but this cannot be a long-term strategy. Preventing further leakage into our oceans is paramount, and for this, we require robust policies, partnerships, and funding.

The world desperately needs a treaty. We stand at a critical junction and must recognize our seas as a collective common good that necessitate improved management. We urge countries to recognize there is no time to waste to address the growing plastic pollution crisis. Let the next negotiation session be final and ambitious with a text that includes an ambition to cleanup legacy plastic pollution, including in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

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System 03 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

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A graduate of Yale University and holder of a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University, Monty Simus spent several decades at the nexus of impact investing, catalytic philanthropy, and innovative social finance, building and scaling high-growth, purpose-driven, commercial and philanthropic initiatives that served millions in the Global South. Internationally recognized, he has contributed a range of papers on environmental issues and joined The Ocean Cleanup in 2024 to lead the Global Public Affairs and Blue Finance team’s work with governments and international organizations to rid our rivers and oceans of plastic pollution.