World leaders, environmental advocates, and policymakers convened in Busan, South Korea, on Monday, November 25 to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis.

Organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) aims to create a legally binding global treaty to tackle the environmental and health impacts of plastics.

“Our world is drowning in plastic pollution,” warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message. He emphasized the alarming reality of plastic waste, with 460 million tonnes produced annually and predictions of more plastic than fish in oceans by 2050. “Microplastics in our bloodstreams are creating health problems we’re only just beginning to understand,” he added.

The conference, which marks two years of intense negotiations, is seen as a critical step toward addressing the full lifecycle of plastics — from production to disposal — and reversing the damage caused by decades of unchecked waste.

The Busan summit has drawn representatives from over 170 nations and 600 observer organizations, signaling a unified global effort. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged attendees to finalize a treaty, warning of the long-term consequences of humanity’s reliance on plastics.

“The excessive reliance of humanity on the convenience of plastics has resulted in an exponential increase in plastic waste; the waste accumulated in our oceans and rivers now jeopardizes the lives of future generations,” Yoon said via video link. He called for a collective commitment to protect the planet for those yet to come.

Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, described the moment as a turning point, highlighting the widespread desire for action. “Not a single person wants plastic washing up on their shores or circulating in their bodies or their unborn babies,” she said, pointing to broad support from governments, scientists, and businesses.

Broad Coalition Backs Action on Plastics

Support for the treaty has grown across sectors. The G20 recently pledged to finalize the agreement by the end of the year, while grassroots movements, waste pickers, and indigenous communities have lent their voices to the cause.

Andersen underscored the urgency, noting that “some plastics can take up to 1,000 years to decompose,” breaking into harmful microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems and human bodies. She stressed that rising public and political pressure has made the need for action undeniable.

This week’s negotiations build on four previous sessions, which began 1,000 days ago in Uruguay. The treaty aims to address critical issues such as single-use plastics, waste management, and the transition to sustainable alternatives.

Guterres outlined the need for an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty, emphasizing that solutions must benefit all nations, particularly vulnerable communities. He urged member states to prioritize the needs of waste pickers, who depend on plastic collection for their livelihoods, while ensuring equal access to clean technologies.

The summit also highlights the broader implications of plastic pollution, including its contribution to climate change. Andersen warned that plastics are now a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, further accelerating the global climate crisis. Andersen declared, “This is a moment the world cannot afford to miss.“

As discussions unfold in Busan, the world watches closely, hopeful that this gathering will mark a pivotal step toward ending plastic pollution. The decisions made this week could set the stage for a future where oceans are cleaner, ecosystems are healthier, and communities are safer from the harmful effects of plastic waste.