ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs are expressing alarm over the increasing presence of petrochemical industry lobbyists at United Nations negotiations aimed at creating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution. Over 180 countries are participating in these talks in Geneva, where the focus is on addressing the entire life-cycle of plastic, from production to pollution.
The Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) reported that 234 lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries are registered to attend, raising concerns about conflicts of interest that could undermine the treaty’s goals.
CIEL’s Rachel Radvany emphasized that these lobbyists are primarily interested in maintaining plastic production, which is projected to triple by 2060.
Despite the presence of over 1,500 NGO participants, industry representatives argue they are there to listen and provide solutions. However, critics, including Greenpeace, have protested against the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbyists, claiming they hinder civil society’s participation in the negotiaNations hope to agree the world’s first treaty to end plastic pollution later this year. PHOTO: FILE tions.
AFP GlobalNewLightOfMyanmar