The Global Plastics Treaty: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

“Plastic pollution free world is not a choice but a commitment to life – a commitment to the next generation.” – Amit Ray

In every corner of the globe , from Nairobi’s bustling markets to remote beaches, mountain rivers to our very own schoolyards  plastic pollution is choking the planet. It clogs waterways, poisons wildlife, contaminates our food systems, and infiltrates our bodies. But in the face of this crisis, hope is rising: the world is coming together to craft a powerful, legally binding agreement called the Global Plastics Treaty , a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stop plastic pollution at its source.

What is the Global Plastics Treaty?

The Global Plastics Treaty is a historic effort by the United Nations to bring the world’s countries together in one unified response to the growing plastic pollution crisis. Initiated in March 2022 during the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), 175 countries agreed to negotiate a legally binding treaty that addresses plastic pollution throughout its entire life cycle  from extraction and production to use, disposal, and waste management.

This means the treaty could tackle everything from how much plastic is produced to what happens after we throw it away. Unlike voluntary agreements, this treaty aims to create real accountability through global rules, timelines, and funding systems to support sustainable solutions.

Why Does It Matter?

Plastic pollution is more than just litter. It’s a global crisis tied to health, climate change, and social justice. Over 430 million tons of plastic are produced annually, much of it single-use and fossil-fuel based. Once discarded, plastics can persist in the environment for centuries, breaking into microplastics that end up in our oceans, our food, and even our lungs.

In countries like Kenya, fast fashion waste, single-use plastics, and industrial packaging often end up in rivers, fields, or open dumps like the Dandora landfill. Plastics contribute to urban flooding, harm agriculture, and endanger wildlife. And yet, African nations like Kenya are not the biggest producers ,they are often the dumping grounds for waste generated elsewhere.

That’s why it’s crucial that the treaty be strong, fair, and global  and not just a weak promise of national action plans. It must include production caps, toxic chemical bans, and corporate accountability, particularly from the biggest polluters.

What’s the Status of the Treaty Now?

As of 2025, five key negotiating sessions (called INCs) have taken place  in Uruguay, France, Kenya, Canada, and South Korea. The process has seen both progress and resistance. While many countries  including most African nations, Norway, and Peru  are pushing for bold measures, a few powerful petrochemical-producing countries continue to block strong commitments, preferring voluntary, national-level actions.

Despite delays and industry interference, momentum for a strong treaty is growing. Over 175 nations support binding rules, and the final stages of negotiations are underway.

How Can Youth and Educators Get Involved?

Youth and educators play a critical role in shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and preparing the next generation of environmental leaders. Here’s how to be part of the change:

• Learn and Teach: Integrate plastic pollution and the Global Plastics Treaty into lessons, debates, art projects, or school club activities.

• Raise Awareness: Share facts and personal stories online, through social media, blogs, or school presentations.

• Take Action: Organize community clean-ups, plastic-free challenges, or school recycling drives. Document your impact!

• Advocate: Write letters to local policymakers, join climate strikes, or support petitions demanding a strong treaty.

A Future Without Plastic Pollution Is Possible

The Global Plastics Treaty is more than paperwork , it’s a lifeline. If ambitious and inclusive, it can reshape our economies, protect human health, and restore nature. But this vision requires all of us  governments, businesses, schools, and communities — to act.

Now is the time to stand up, speak out, and build a future where plastic no longer pollutes our rivers, our bodies, or our dreams.

Let’s turn awareness into action and ensure the Global Plastics Treaty delivers the change the world so urgently needs.

Happy World Environment Day 2025