Der Versuch einer globalen Plastikwende – der Entstehungsprozess des UN Plastic Treaty.

The article describes the process of creating the UN Plastic Treaty, a global plastic agreement aimed at combating the increasing pollution of the environment caused by plastic waste. The negotiations for the treaty took place in various countries, including Uruguay, France, Kenya, and Canada. The positions of the participating states differ, with some focusing on repairing the damage already done, while others aim to minimize future risks. The publication of the final document is planned for 2025. Global plastic pollution has dramatic effects on the environment and human health, and current patterns of plastic production and use lead to massive environmental pollution. Only about 10% of plastic waste is recycled, while the rest is either burned or ends up in landfills. The responsibility for plastic pollution lies not only with specific countries but also with international trade in plastic waste. Over 1500 participants, including lobbyists from the fossil fuel industry, were present at the negotiations for the UN Plastic Treaty. A central point of discussion was the so-called Zero Draft, which contained a compilation of different viewpoints on various topics. The negotiations in the contact groups addressed issues such as the purpose of the treaty, financial aspects, and substantive aspects of the treaty. There were conflicts between the contracting states and stakeholder groups, particularly Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Japan on one side, and Barbados, Brazil, Germany, and the European Union on the other side. Saudi Arabia and Russia emphasized the need for a balanced consideration of economic interests and called for more time for deliberations. The article discusses the different positions of various countries regarding a global agreement to end plastic pollution. Japan and Saudi Arabia have different views on responsibility and financing, while Brazil and Barbados advocate for the protection of the oceans and the promotion of the circular economy. Germany and the European Union are committed to an ambitious plastic regime and emphasize the inclusion of river environments. There are fundamental differences in approaches to minimizing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable plastic use. The discussions show that finding a common global solution is difficult. The plastic sector is a central driver of linear economic development, although progress has been made in recycling. Various points are crucial for the success of future negotiation rounds for the UN Plastic Treaty, including balancing the interests of short-term winners and losers and internalizing the environmental costs of plastic waste. It is recommended to create market-based incentives to transition production to decarbonized plastics and promote the use of packaging with less or better recyclable materials. Sustainable plastic production could be achieved in closed material cycles with increased recycling rates, but it requires massive investments in recycling facilities and sustainable energy supply. It is suggested that future actors develop a database to transparently monitor the achievement of goals. [Extracted from the article]

Die zunehmende Verschmutzung der Umwelt durch Kunststoffabfälle führt zu dramatischen ökologischen Problemen und Gefahren für die menschliche Gesundheit – und dies auf globaler Ebene. Vor diesem Hintergrund verhandelt die Weltgemeinschaft gerade einen globalen Plastikvertrag. Im November 2023 fand die dritte Verhandlungsrunde in Nairobi statt und die Ergebnisse zeigen die fundamental unterschiedlichen Herangehensweisen verschiedener Staaten: Die entstehenden Schäden reparieren oder zukünftige Risiken minimieren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]