Global plastic waste: Geneva is negotiating a groundbreaking contract!

Global plastic waste: Geneva is negotiating a groundbreaking contract!

Significant negotiations to combat global plastic pollution will begin in Geneva on August 5, 2025. Over 170 UN member states have come together to negotiate a binding agreement. These talks, which run until August 14, are part of the fifth international conference on tackling plastic pollution.

Global plastic waste has reached alarming proportions: it is estimated that around eight billion tons of plastic waste are polluting the planet. The majority of this comes from the continuously growing plastic production, which not only contributes to environmental pollution but also significantly to climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from plastic production already exceed those of the entire state of Brazil, underlining the urgency of negotiations to take action against this development.

Health effects and vulnerable groups

According to the “Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics,” supported by Heidelberg University and other institutions, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics as well as hazardous chemicals is widespread worldwide. These substances can be detected not only in the environment, but also in living beings and people. They can cause serious health consequences ranging from illness to death. Vulnerable population groups are disproportionately affected, which requires fair consideration in negotiations. The report will identify and regularly update indicators of plastic production, exposure and health impacts to support negotiations.

Negotiations have already intensified in recent months. The last meeting in November 2024 in Busan, Korea, brought progress, but a final result was postponed. WWF urges governments to adopt a global treaty in Geneva with clear and enforceable rules. The aim is to protect the environment and people sustainably and effectively.

Global challenges and local measures

The current state of plastic production is worrying. Around 413 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, of which only nine percent are recycled. The rest often ends up in landfills, is burned or ends up directly in the sea, where it causes significant environmental and health damage. Researchers have pointed out that a reduction in plastic production by 12 to 19 percent would be necessary to achieve climate goals.

However, the challenges are enormous. While almost 100 countries, including many from Africa and Latin America, are pushing for an ambitious treaty, manufacturing countries and oil producers such as Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia in particular are blocking more progressive regulatory proposals. Another critical point is the influence of the plastics industry, which tries to dominate the negotiations through lobbying. Scientists report intimidation and defamation that attempt to undermine a balanced basis for discussion.

In Germany, for example, 16 billion euros are spent annually on waste management and environmental pollution. As the largest plastics manufacturer in Europe with an annual production of eight million tons, the country has a particular responsibility to actively work on solutions. Scientists and environmentalists are calling for a drastic reduction in plastic production and use in order to protect people and the environment and not burden future generations.

Overall, the states in Geneva have a historic opportunity to establish a comprehensive transfer of responsibility. It remains to be seen whether the delegates will have the courage to agree on concrete and binding measures and thus take a decisive step towards a more sustainable use of plastic. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics will act as an important supporter to provide the necessary data and analysis to highlight the health and environmental impacts of plastic production.

Sources: University of Heidelberg, WWF, German wave.