In a compelling address delivered in Cali, Colombia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty to tackle the escalating crisis of plastic pollution.
Speaking at an intergovernmental panel focused on developing a legally binding international instrument, Guterres underscored the importance of addressing the needs of communities worldwide, including the estimated 20 million waste-pickers who play a crucial role in managing plastic waste.
“We are choking on plastic,” Guterres stated, highlighting the alarming statistic that humanity produces over 460 million metric tons of plastic annually, with half of it designed for single-use. He warned that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the oceans could exceed the number of fish, calling this potential reality a grave threat to both human health and the environment.
The Secretary-General called on negotiators to finalize an agreement by the end of 2024, as reaffirmed by Member States in a recent commitment known as the Pact for the Future.
This gathering in Colombia follows a series of multilateral discussions initiated after the UN Environment Assembly’s landmark decision in 2022 to seek global solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. A fifth and potentially final meeting is scheduled for Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1.
“There is a pressing need for action,” he insisted, noting that people worldwide are demanding effective solutions to the crisis. He framed the ongoing negotiations as an opportunity to showcase that multilateralism, despite its challenges, can yield positive outcomes for people and the planet.
Recognizing the crucial role of waste-pickers in managing plastic waste, Guterres highlighted their contribution to collecting approximately 60% of all plastic designated for recycling globally.
The call for a just global treaty reflects the need to consider the needs of waste-pickers and others reliant on plastic collection for their livelihoods. The landmark UN Environment Assembly resolution UNEA-5/14 acknowledges their significant contributions to collecting, sorting, and recycling plastics in numerous countries.
As countries gather in Colombia to devise a plan to combat plastic pollution, the world watches closely, hoping for meaningful and transformative agreements that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social equity.
The UN warns that national pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions fall far short of what's needed to combat climate change. As countries prepare for COP29 in Baku, stronger commitments are essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
At a U.N. Security Council meeting, the U.S. warned Iran of severe consequences if it escalates aggression against Israel or U.S. forces, as tensions rise following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites.
United Nations warned that the world is on course for a 3.1°C temperature increase by the end of the century
The COP29 Presidency has released nine Declarations and Pledges, inviting global stakeholders to endorse these key climate initiatives, aimed at uniting efforts, enhancing ambition, and supporting UNFCCC goals ahead of COP29 in Baku this November.
The agreement, finalised at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, establishes that developed countries will contribute $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist poorer countries in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Delegates at COP29 in Baku push for consensus on climate finance targets, with calls for urgent action to address the global climate crisis as negotiations intensify.
Short-term rental owners in Croatia protested against proposed tax hikes, claiming the measures unfairly target low-income earners and threaten their livelihoods. The government argues the changes aim to tackle a housing crisis driven by tourism demand.
Global tensions rise at COP29 in Baku as developing nations reject the proposed $300B climate finance goal, demanding at least $500B annually to address urgent needs. Negotiations face a breaking point as blocs threaten to walk out over unmet demands.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
The United Nations COP29 climate change conference in Baku seeks $1 trillion annually to help vulnerable nations tackle climate change, as political tensions and Argentina’s withdrawal overshadow talks.
The agreement, finalised at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, establishes that developed countries will contribute $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist poorer countries in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Delegates at COP29 in Baku push for consensus on climate finance targets, with calls for urgent action to address the global climate crisis as negotiations intensify.
Global tensions rise at COP29 in Baku as developing nations reject the proposed $300B climate finance goal, demanding at least $500B annually to address urgent needs. Negotiations face a breaking point as blocs threaten to walk out over unmet demands.
Hundreds of activists marched in Busan, South Korea, on Saturday, urging stronger global action against plastic waste ahead of next week’s U.N. talks on a legally binding plastic pollution treaty. Participants called for reduced production and showcased creative protests using discarded plastic.
The agreement, finalised at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, establishes that developed countries will contribute $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist poorer countries in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Delegates at COP29 in Baku push for consensus on climate finance targets, with calls for urgent action to address the global climate crisis as negotiations intensify.
Short-term rental owners in Croatia protested against proposed tax hikes, claiming the measures unfairly target low-income earners and threaten their livelihoods. The government argues the changes aim to tackle a housing crisis driven by tourism demand.
Global tensions rise at COP29 in Baku as developing nations reject the proposed $300B climate finance goal, demanding at least $500B annually to address urgent needs. Negotiations face a breaking point as blocs threaten to walk out over unmet demands.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment